Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Sixteen-year-old Percy Jackson can't find where he fits. He's been to six schools in as many years and struggles with his neurodivergence, but he's a great kid with a good heart. One fateful field trip takes a wild turn, and he discovers a place where he belongs after all... at Camp Half Blood with the other demi-gods training for victory and valor. To his shock and bewilderment, Percy unfolds a mystery that reveals his hidden powers and a godly lineage of the Greek variety. Brush up on your mythology (or let this musical do it for you) as Percy and his pals take off on an adventure of epic proportions.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical arrives in Edinburgh with a crackle of youthful energy and mythic charm, giving Rick Riordan’s tale of half-gods, monsters, and heroism a stage full of angst and might. Under the dual direction and choreography of Lizzi Gee, the production makes excellent use of movement to carry the sparky staging in addition to an emotional depth; meanwhile, the cast’s vocal strength helps anchor the more fantastical elements in something recognisably human, especially in the three leads.
Fights, flight, water illusions, and even surreal scenes with mythical beasts are realised through inventive staging and tightly co-ordinated ensemble dance. The set is grand and appropriately gritty, with projections and clever lighting that elevate the piece and transport the viewer along this hero's journey.
Vocally, the cast impresses with range and clarity. From the first moments, Percy (Vasco Emauz) shines with compact energy, comedic flair and vocal dynamism. Strong in the rock-injected, high-energy numbers, yet also sensitive in quieter moments, he leads the production with aplomb. Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth strikes a fine balance between steely determination and vulnerability. Cahir O’Neill as Grover offers a self-deprecating sort of awkward humour and excellent comic timing, both in speech and song.
The ensemble deserves credit, too: from chorus monsters to Camp Half-Blood recruits, their voices blend well yet individual characters still shine through.
There's a fair bit of over-the-top screeching and hammy delivery at times from a smattering of characters and the lyrics and book can delve into the twee here and there, but overall the piece is a delight for Greek myth lovers and laymen alike. The musical numbers are pleasing in the moment but fail to stay with you after the curtain falls and feel a bit same-y after a time.
This Percy Jackson iteration brings the mythic and the mundane together: choreographed set-pieces (water effects, sword-play, even toilets erupting) are matched with vocal performances that give Percy's fears, friendship, and identity real resonance. In a world where teens of today often feel that they have inherited a world of trouble from generations past, where they are taking the helm of activism in the face of too much apathy, this musical echoes some harder truths under its fun pop-rock surface. All in all, this coming-of-age story has plenty of spectacle, heart and talent to light up its stage and dazzle its crowd.
Until 27 Sep 2025
Tickets here
Age Suitability 8+