Review: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical At The Wales Millennium Centre
Opening with the song “Prologue / The Day I Got Expelled,” The Lightning Thief bursts onto the stage with confidence. Strong vocals and a playful sense of humour set the tone immediately, signalling a production that understands its audience and embraces the joy of its own mythology.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is at the Wales Millennium Centre until 24th of Jan
Image: Johan Persson
Although several numbers share a similar musical style, standout moments emerge throughout - most notably “D.O.A”, which injects the evening with a refreshing burst of personality and theatrical flair. Songs such as “Put You in Your Place” and “The Campfire Song” are fun, lively and well performed by the cast, even if the lyrics occasionally veer into knowingly cheesy territory. When it works, it really works.
Act 1 spends significant time exploring Percy Jackson’s backstory and arrival at Camp Half-Blood, meaning the quest itself unfolds more fully in the second half. For fans of the books, films or series, this shift may feel surprising, given how central the quest is to the story’s identity. However, the extended introduction also allows the characters and emotional stakes to be clearly established, giving newer audience members a strong foundation in the world of Percy Jackson. It’s a slow burn that eventually finds its stride.
Act 2 feels much more adventurous, following the journey from Camp Half-Blood to the underworld with increased momentum. Some iconic moments - including Medusa, Echidna and the Lotus sequence - are necessarily condensed, which may leave devoted fans wishing for a little more time in these worlds. Yet the streamlined storytelling keeps the narrative moving and maintains a sense of urgency that suits the quest’s high stakes. Once the quest begins, the show rarely looks back.
Crucially, the production’s greatest strength lies in its performances. The cast bring remarkable energy, vocal skill and emotional sincerity to the stage, elevating the material and making the show consistently engaging. The musical’s spirit of fun and adventure is carried confidently by its ensemble, creating an atmosphere that feels both exciting and heartfelt. The cast are the show’s secret weapon.
Click To Book Tickets
Image: Johan Persson
Simone Robinson delivers the standout performance of the night as Charon in “D.O.A”. Reimagining the traditionally stern mythological figure as a disco-infused scene-stealer, Robinson commands the stage with charisma and vocal power. Her versatility is impressive: as Sally Jackson in “Strong”, she demonstrates emotional depth and vocal control, and across her multiple roles she remains a magnetic presence. Every time she steps on stage, the production lifts.
Due to a last minute change, we saw Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama graduate Abe Armitage play the role of Percy Jackson, who captured both the character’s youthful energy and underlying vulnerability perfectly. His chemistry with the rest of the cast is a highlight of the production, particularly with Kayna Montecillo’s Annabeth Chase and Cahir O’Neill’s Grover. Montecillo is a breakout performer, combining humour, charm and strong vocals with a nuanced portrayal of Annabeth’s inner conflict and determination. O’Neill’s Grover adds heart and humour, grounding the trio’s dynamic with warmth and musicality. At its best, the show feels driven by genuine connection between its leads.
Across the production, the costume design proves inventive and resourceful, balancing contemporary styling with flashes of mythological imagination. Many of the designs are deliberately understated, allowing the show’s more fantastical characters and moments to stand out with greater impact, and this creative approach gives the visual world a clear sense of identity. While the costumes for Grover and Chiron lean towards simplicity, the production’s imaginative staging and strong performances ensure the visual storytelling remains engaging throughout.
The action sequences are lively and well-paced, with the Capture the Flag scene delivering a particularly exhilarating highlight. The staging is consistently playful and inventive, creating a sense of movement and adventure that carries the audience confidently through the show.
In this performance, the role of Mr D was played by the incredible Joseph Connor, who brought so much humour and theatrical flair to the character. Connor’s performance added personality and comic energy to the production, enriching the ensemble with such a confident and engaging presence.
*RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard is scheduled to appear in the role on 23 and 24 January.
Click To Book Tickets
Image: Johan Persson
Ultimately, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an uplifting and entertaining piece of theatre that embraces the spirit of its source material while carving out its own identity on stage. While pacing and lyrical choices occasionally hold it back from reaching its full potential, the production’s infectious energy, strong performances and moments of genuine theatrical magic make it a rewarding experience. A joyful adventure powered by talent and heart.
For fans of Percy Jackson, it offers a lively return to a beloved world; for newcomers, it provides an accessible and engaging introduction. Above all, it is a production driven by passion, and one that leaves the audience feeling swept up in its adventure. A crowd-pleasing quest that undoubtedly earns its applause.
