A HEROIC EFFORT BUT MISSING THE TRUE “LIGHTNING FLASH” IT NEEDED TO BE A KNOCKOUT

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

As a die-hard Percy Jackson fan, I went into The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical with sky-high expectations. I guess that was my mistake because when you love something so much, can anything truly compete? While the show delivers some impressive stagecraft and moments of magic, I couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing.

Let’s start with the positives! The staging and production design is fantastic. The way they brought mythical creatures to life, especially the Minotaur, was great. And the illusion of Hermes’ flying shoes was seriously clever, impressive, and effective. The lighting and set worked seamlessly together, making the world feel immersive and dynamic.

My friend Manjiri is a newbie to the world of Percy Jackson, and she thought the lighting, stage presence, set and props were phenomenal. She was completely drawn in from the start and thought the show was one of the best she’d seen recently. Maybe this show is better suited for those who have not read the books by Rick Riordan.

Musically, the standout number was D.O.A, which completely stole the show for me. The performances from Grover, The Ferryman, Hades, and Ares were highlights, bringing some much-needed energy and charisma to the stage. But while there were some strong individual performances, I found the overall cast a little underwhelming.

Some of the vocals felt a little sharp and piercing and lacked the punch I was hoping for in the bigger numbers. That being said, it was gala night for the brand-new cast, so perhaps nerves played a role. I’d be curious to see if they settle into their roles as the run continues.

Structurally, the first half draws you in, while the second half packs an emotional punch. A reminder that even when everything feels impossible, you keep going. And as a Green mythology nerd, I love how Riordan’s storytelling subtly foreshadows the big betrayal. Although annoyingly, I didn’t catch it on my first read all those years ago.

Ultimately, The Lightning Thief is fun and full of heart, but I left wanting more. More vocal power, more impact in the key moments, and more of the epic energy that makes the books so special. If you’re a long time fan, you might find yourself caught in the comparison trap, but if you’re coming in fresh, it’s a solid, enjoyable ride through Percy’s world.

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Photo Credit: Manuel Harlan