The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome

“Go and see Percy Jackson!” they said. “Who?” I replied, immediately betraying my ignorance of popular culture. Is this a pop star who has gone under my radar? Most have since the turn of the century to be fair. Is it some form of movie star only know to a myriad of teens? Is it a strange strain of that global phenomenon known as a YouTuber? No, no, no. If, like me, you are in the dark, allow me to throw some light your way. It seems the author Ricki Riordan has been bashing out stories about Percy for over twenty years initially inspired by his own son’s struggle in school. Percy is a demi-god (Half-divine, half-human) son of a mortal and Poseidon, the famous Greek god, who continually finds himself ensnared in rip-roaring adventures in a series of now seven books. There now we know. Percy has evolved from books into film into TV and now into a stage adaptation and, as we know, theatre for children is difficult, theatre for teens is even harder. Does Percy manage to straddle the varying worlds of media with success? Does his regeneration as a stage incarnation really hit the heights of Mount Olympus? Let’s see…

Suffice to say I was surrounded by happy, contented and engaged children including an entire primary school. The place was packed with Percyites who hooted, clapped and cheered in every moment they were required to, but this wisened old critic was left a little deflated by the litany of clunky exposition, endless description of events occurring prior to the story and some maddeningly trite ideas. Everything, however, was slickly professional and honed within an inch of its life particularly Dan Samson’s sound design and Tim Deiling’s lighting. Percy Jackson, our homeric hero, was given a hearty cheer on his entrance and Vasco Emauz does good work with the angst ridden teen shocked to discover his heritage.

The book by Joe Tracz attempts to cram as much fan-pleasing jargon, tropes and events into a very small space leaving little room for sincere drama. The script certainly ticks the boxes with the crowd throughout as they spot reference after reference and response accordingly.

The playing is a blend of difference styles from broad, outrageous performances to nuanced and subtle realism which doesn’t always work well, but nonetheless kept the audience hooked. I’m clearly not the franchise’s target demographic but I was glad to see lots of happy and thrilled faces around me enjoying their very first experience of live theatre.

Playing until Saturday 28th February, https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/

Reviewer: Peter Kinnock

Reviewed: 24th February 2026

North West End UK Rating: