As we arrived at the Theatre Royal Brighton last night, the stage was crackling with energy, with lightning effects jumping around the stage. This reflected the excitement in the audience, all there to see a new musical version of a classic book, clearly catching the attention of many of the young people attending.
Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief is a musical based on the best-selling books by Rick Riordan. The story focuses on Percy himself, a troubled teenager who can’t explain why he is having so many issues at school. But, Percy is special – he is a demi-god, his father a Greek God, but he is only a half-blood. Like all other children in his situation, he has his own demons to face. The action focuses on his journey from school to a summer camp where he meets like-minded friends who embark on a grand quest to save the world.
Travelling through the world of Ancient Greece, Percy meets many of the Gods who have been updated for the modern age. Poseidon is a surfer dude whilst Cerberus is a three headed DJ, and each has there own distinctive characteristics. This clever script weaves myths and legends into the plot and makes them both fantastical and normal at the same time. If you are a devotee of the original book or someone coming to this afresh, the story is easy to follow and highly dramatic.
What is clear from the start is the quality of the original songs and the cast’s ability to deliver them. The show contains a vast array of musical styles, with everything from power ballad to comedy country music on show, keeping us interested throughout. Combined with this is a talented dance group who approach everything with a sense of joy.
The stage craft is also a real star of the show. Bringing the underworld into the Theatre Royal must be a challenging prospect, but the lighting design has been cleverly composed, changing the mood and also providing dramatic impact. There is an extremely impressive Minotaur sequence in the first act, an intriguing special effect with a pair of trainers belonging to Hermes and Medusa’s hair is suitably wild. The set itself is dark and foreboding, matching the narrative, but simple and effective.
Percy himself is played by Vasco Emauz. He takes on a great deal of weight in the show, rarely off stage and with a number of solo and duet numbers to perform. He is a great lead, his voice able to convey emotions and with a smile to light up the room. He has recently starred in ‘Back To The Future’ in London’s West End, and has strong presence and boundless enthusiasm. The show felt in safe hands with him at the helm.
However, the whole cast is strong. Particular recognition should go to Cahir O’Neil who plays the slightly awkward sidekick ‘Grover’. He stayed in character throughout the piece, adding great comic timing and gestures to reinforce his role. Also of note was Simone Robinson who played a vast array of characters from the tender mother to the menacing Medusa, topping it off with a fabulous disco diva who allows them access into the kingdom of Hades. Her voice was clear and distinctive, with huge range and power. Her performances were a highlight of the show. Kayna Montcillo also delivered a powerful voice, taking on a very exposed solo and holding the audience in her gaze. Very impressive.
Leaving the theatre it was lovely to see just how much impact the performance had made on younger members of the audience who were brimming with enthusiasm and recounting every detail. The show clearly met their expectations and brought a favourite book to life. However, even if you don’t know the original text, this is a show that will take you with it, full of great music and performances. We felt completely engaged throughout and as if we’d been to hell and back, but in a good way!
Remaining Performances
Wednesday 1st October – 7.30 pm
Thursday 2nd October – 2.30 and 7.30 pm
Friday 3rd October – 7.30 pm
Saturday 4th October – 2.30 and 7.30 pm
Tickets are available at The Theatre Royal, Brighton from £15.00
Set List
Act 1
Prologue
The Day I Got Expelled
Strong
The Weirdest Dream
Another Terrible Day
Their Sign
Put You In Your Place
The Campfire Song
The Oracle
Good Kid
Killer Quest!
Act 2
Try
Lost!
My Grand Plan
Drive
The Weirdest Dream Reprise
The Tree On The Hill
Try Reprise
D.O.A.
Son of Poseidon
Last Day Of Summer
Bring On The Monsters
