I’ll admit it, I walked into The Lightning Thief with low expectations. I’ve never read the Percy Jackson books or watched the Disney+ series, and after Googling the synopsis beforehand, I wasn’t convinced it was going to be my bag. Add to that the sea of teens in fan memorabilia at Theatre Royal Brighton, and I was bracing for a show aimed squarely at a younger crowd.
But how wrong I was.
At the heart of the show is a trio that redefines the classic adventure team. Think Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but with more monsters, sass, and mythological chaos.
Percy Jackson, played spectacularly by Vasco Emauz, anchors the story with charisma and emotional depth. Originally from Portugal, Emauz’s flawless American accent and commanding stage presence make him a standout. Annabeth, portrayed by Kayna Montecillo, is sassy, independent, and fiercely intelligent. Montecillo brings a sharp edge and vocal strength to the role, making Annabeth a force to be reckoned with, just like her mother. Grover, played by Cahir O’Neill, is the comic soul of the group. If I were in this trio, I’d be Grover, funny, loyal, and just along for the ride. O’Neill’s timing and warmth make him instantly likeable.
All three actors are fantastic singers and share a brilliant onstage chemistry that elevates the entire production.
Beyond the central trio, the supporting cast adds real depth and flair to the production. Niall Sheehy plays the role of Mr. Brunner (among others) and was absolutely fantastic. Hats off to him, literally, for navigating the stage in a full centaur costume. He brought humour and warmth to the role and handled multiple quick costume changes with ease and professionalism. Simone Robinson portrays Sally Jackson, Percy’s mum, and takes on several other roles. Her rendition of “Strong” was one of my favourites of the entire show, emotionally resonant and beautifully sung.
The ensemble as a whole is tight, energetic, and clearly having fun. Their versatility and vocal talent elevate the production from start to finish.
The musical follows Percy, a teenager who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god and is thrust into a quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. Percy isn’t alone on his journey. He’s joined by two newfound friends, Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr with a heart of gold. Together, they form a trio that’s both chaotic and endearing, navigating a world of gods, monsters, and prophecies.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Lightning Thief was the staging. It genuinely looked like no expense was spared, this could easily pass as a West End show. The set changes were seamless, and it was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the setup, sound, lighting, and effects. From Camp Half-Blood to the depths of the Underworld, each location was brought to life with creativity and precision. The technical team deserves serious credit for crafting such an immersive experience.
Despite its teen fanbase and fantasy roots, The Lightning Thief surprised me with its depth and heart. The show doesn’t require prior knowledge to enjoy; it welcomes you in and sweeps you along for the ride. I plan on watching the Disney + series ASAP.
The show runs at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 4th October 2025, with performances at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, matinees at 2:30pm on Thursday and Saturday. Click HERE to book.