REVIEW - THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL | HOME MANCHESTER | 11/02/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL – A Mythical Adventure Bursting With Energy
Rick Riordan’s bestselling Percy Jackson series has captivated readers since the first novel, The Lightning Thief, was published in 2005. The story of an ordinary teenager who discovers he is the son of a Greek god has since expanded into a global phenomenon, inspiring film, television and now a stage musical adaptation with a book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki.
Now, this UK touring production brings Percy’s epic quest to HOME Manchester, introducing a new generation of theatre audiences to demigods, monsters and mythology through a lively pop-rock musical format.
At its heart, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who has always felt like he doesn’t quite fit in. After a series of strange and dangerous events, Percy learns he is actually a demigod — the son of Poseidon.
Thrown into the world of Camp Half-Blood, Percy teams up with Annabeth and Grover on a fast-moving quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. The story moves at pace, packed with humour, action and plenty of heart, leaning into themes of friendship, identity and discovering that being different can be a strength.
The pacing keeps the adventure exciting, although the scale of the final moments doesn’t quite match the build-up — a small dip in an otherwise thoroughly entertaining journey.
Visually, the production has a bold, contemporary feel. The set uses industrial textures, ladders and pipework to create a flexible environment that transforms into multiple locations throughout Percy’s journey. This clever design allows scenes to shift quickly while maintaining momentum.
Lighting plays a major role in shaping the world, helping to create atmosphere, tension and spectacle, particularly during encounters with monsters and mythological figures. The visual effects and staging are imaginative without overwhelming the performers.
Costumes blend modern teenage style with mythological touches, helping distinguish gods, demigods and creatures while keeping the story accessible to a young audience.
Musically, the show is driven by an energetic pop-rock score that matches Percy’s whirlwind adventure. The songs keep the action moving and capture the youthful tone of the story.
Choreography is lively and well-integrated, using the ensemble effectively and ensuring transitions remain slick and engaging.
Vasco Emauz leads the production confidently as Percy Jackson, bringing warmth and relatability to the role as Percy navigates confusion, courage and self-discovery.
Kayna Montecillo delivers a strong and assured Annabeth, balancing determination with emotional depth, while at this performance the role of Grover was played by understudy Alex Anderton, who gave a fantastic performance with great vocals and engaging stage presence.
Danny Beard is a standout as Mr D, combining excellent comic timing with powerful vocals and injecting the show with a wonderfully sharp sense of humour and energy whenever he appears.
The wider company — including Joseph Connor, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Paolo Micallef, Simone Robinson and Niall Sheehy — take on multiple roles with clarity and enthusiasm, while the ensemble and swings maintain the production’s impressive pace and vitality throughout.
Overall, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME Manchester is a fun, fast-paced and highly energetic production that clearly connects with its audience. With imaginative staging, a committed cast and a score that drives the action forward, it captures the adventurous spirit of Riordan’s beloved story while making it accessible for both fans and newcomers.
Having previously seen the show in a larger venue, it was particularly interesting to experience it again at HOME Manchester. The more intimate setting really suits the production, allowing the humour and storytelling to land more directly and helping the audience feel closer to Percy’s journey. The sound also feels clearer and more immediate in this space, which enhances the energy of the music and strengthens the connection between performers and audience.
While the climax doesn’t quite reach Olympian heights, the journey itself is packed with humour, heart and theatrical creativity — making this an enjoyable night out, especially for younger theatre-goers discovering live performance.
A lively mythological adventure that proves discovering who you are can be the greatest quest of all.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is at Home Manchester until Saturday 21st February 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.
Photo Credit - Johan Persson
*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review.
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