The Lightning Thief; The Percy Jackson Musical At Bradford Alhambra Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deborah Banasko
I was completely unaware that a theatre production had been made of Rick Jordans’ Percy Jackson book series until a good friend told me how much she enjoyed the show recently with her children. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to watch it with my 10-year-old who loves the best-selling book series and all things “theatre”.
We watched the show at the wonderful Bradford Alhambra, which is a beautiful theatre with a great atmosphere, lovely bar area and restaurant, and always the warmest welcome from the staff who work there.
I have seen and enjoyed the two Percy Jackson movies but this isn’t essential to be able to follow the show. Percy Jackson (played by Vasco Emauz) is the 16-year-old boy whose life changes when he discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, and has powers that he is yet to master. Percy is burdened with a quest to find the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus to clear his Father’s name. Percy and his friends Annabeth (Kayna Montecillo) and Grover (Cahir O’Neill) set on a journey to the underworld, but are met by monsters and deceit along the way.
Most shows that I have watched are familiar to me in some way, as I will already have a favourite song before I watch, or I will have an idea of the genre of music and what to expect. It was so refreshing to see something completely new in this regard, with a young cool vibe. Not every song was loud and punchy, there were some more gentle numbers sprinkled in for balance and a fun 70’s style throwback, but of course it was the catchy dance numbers that we sang all the way home. The opening track “The Day I got Expelled” came out with such a bang and the vocals were excellent; Emauz has a really endearing swag about him, he was simply first class.
Ellie-Grace Cousins sang one of my favourites “Put You In Your Place” which was great to watch in terms of the choreography too, she was truly amazing in this role.
The versatility of the cast was something that I haven’t seen in a musical performance to such a degree before. Cousins moved from Clarisse (daughter of Ares) to a demon, and then a squirrel; it sounds comical but it was actual pure genius, and demonstrated great talent. Simone Robinson must also get a mention for the same smooth and believable transition between characters; she has beautiful vocals and is a phenomenal actress. The small ensemble worked just perfectly.
The physical set changed very little throughout, with the odd prop brought on stage. Variety and movement were created with the use of platforms and arched stepways. However it was the clever lighting and a prominent video screen which helped switch from a forest scene to a rainstorm, and then to the underworld, so simple yet incredibly effective.
It had everything that a child could want from special effects; an explosion, flashing lights, shadow puppets, raining foam bubbles, a slow-motion fight scenes and a giant minotaur! I particularly loved that the fight scenes and reactions to sad events were well handled for a young audience. However I can appreciate why the age recommendation was ages 8 and above, (yes there were a few darker moments with scary voices), but I would say that the age rating is mainly in order for the viewer to be able to follow the fast-moving plot at the start. A younger child may get a little mixed up.
The show has a fun storyline for children and adults, some great battle scenes, but also comical moments. I would award The Lightning Thief 5/5 stars.
Rating: 5/5 stars
The show runs at Bradford Alhambra from 21-25th October 2025, and tickets are priced between £21.50 and £52.50 (age 8+ age guidance).
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk