The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical

The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical
Book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, based on the novel by Rick Riordan. Director: Sam Luxford. Musical Director: Marianne Powles. Choreographers: Erin Hobden and Hannah Kelly. Gosford Musical Society (GMS). July 8 – 12, 2025

The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical is a rock-infused stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel The Lightning Thief, the first book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The musical brings Greek mythology crashing into the modern world with humour, heart, and heroic adventure, tailored for both fans of the books and newcomers (like me). The beloved story of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief came vividly to life in this compelling and high-energy production, led by a cast that truly understands the heart and depth of Riordan’s characters.

We meet Percy who has just been expelled from his sixth school by Mr Brunner who doesn’t seem to understand that Percy has just survived an unexpected encounter with a mythological creature! His best friend Grover is as supportive as ever seeing the whole thing as very unfair! Percy’s mother, Sally seems to accept the latest expulsion with weary understanding but his stepfather is less supportive.

Cooper Herd (Preview Show) delivers a commanding performance as Percy Jackson, anchoring the entire show with remarkable stamina and skill. Rarely off-stage, Herd brings boundless energy to the role, while also revealing the emotional complexity of a boy thrust into a world of gods, monsters, and destiny. His vocals are powerful and clear, matched by a stage presence that is both magnetic and grounded. It was a performance that feels completely authentic as a boy misunderstood and never feeling he fits in.

As Grover, Broc Diffen brings a beautifully nuanced performance to the role of Percy’s loyal protector and friend. There is a quiet strength in his portrayal, with layers of vulnerability that makes his character all the more moving. Diffen manages to balance Grover’s nervous humour with genuine emotional depth, revealing the courage that lies beneath fear. His scenes with Herd were especially touching, offering a warm, believable friendship that serves as the show’s emotional heartbeat.

When Percy’s real identity and parentage is revealed he is sent to Camp Half Blood to train his skills and develop his knowledge of this new world he has been catapulted into. Here he meets other half bloods, including Annabeth, who becomes a fast friend.

Matilda Whitwell shines as the wise and determined Annabeth Chase. Her performance is marked by stunning vocal work—rich with emotion and clarity—and expressive facial detail that draws the audience in with every thought and feeling her character experiences. Whitwell captures Annabeth’s inner strength and sharp intelligence while also allowing glimpses of the pain and longing that has shaped her. It was a beautifully layered performance that left a lasting impression.

While the lead performers carried the heart of the story, the strength of this production was undeniably bolstered by a talented ensemble of minor leads who brought nuance, energy, and texture to the mythical world on stage.

Lachlan Herd impresses in the dual roles of Luke and Ares, delivering a performance that added tension and intrigue. As Luke, he captures the charm and subtle menace of a character straddling the line between ally and adversary. As Ares, his presence is commanding, offering a dangerous bravado that made every scene crackle with intensity. His versatility made him a formidable presence whenever he stepped on stage.

Larna Duddy brings fiery tenacity to the role of Clarisse, the tough-as-nails daughter of Ares. Her bold physicality, compelling singing and fierce line delivery add grit and humour in equal measure, making her scenes memorable and full of punch.

Tania Morton offered a beautifully understated and touching performance as Sally Jackson, Percy’s mother. She brought a quiet strength and warmth to the role, perfectly embodying the kind of love that makes sacrifices without fanfare. Her vocals were especially striking—gorgeous, heartfelt, and rich with unspoken emotion. Her encounter with a fiery minotaur would benefit from more heightened levels of fear and defiance as she protects Percy.

Sebastian Miller gives a standout performance as Mr. Brunner, later revealed to be someone else entirely! His delivery is soulful and deliberate, lending the character a wisdom and gravitas that grounded the show amidst the chaos of demigod battles and camp hijinks. His consistent accent work and emotional clarity made Chiron a figure of calm in the storm, and when he sang, the audience truly leaned in. His voice carried the weight of myth and memory—an anchoring force in a fast-moving production.

A special mention must go to Lachlan McMahon as the ever-exasperated Mr. D—Dionysus, God of wine and drama (and what a delightfully theatrical god he is!). McMahon’s performance was sharp, sassy, and pitch-perfect in comic timing. He embraced the divine diva persona with flair, providing some of the show’s biggest laughs and most quotable lines.

As the story unfolds, Percy is accused of stealing the powerful lightning bolt from Zeus himself and he must embark on a cross-country quest. His two besties, Grover and Annabeth are up for the challenge! Along the way, Percy and his friends battle Medusa, Ares, and other creatures from myth, all while uncovering the deeper mystery of who is truly behind the theft.

At the heart of this energetic and emotionally charged production is a company of triple threats, delivering polished choreography, vibrant ensemble energy, and razor-sharp timing throughout. From tight group numbers to careful transitions, the cast maintains a cohesive and electrifying presence that elevates every scene. The background action and movement were never static—always adding atmosphere, story texture, or sly comedic beats that keep the momentum rolling.

Key players in this success are choreographers Erin Hobden and Hannah Kelly whose work is both clever and inclusive, bringing together performers of various ages and abilities in ways that feel organic and character-true. The movement reflects the lyrics and emotional beats beautifully, enhancing rather than overpowering the narrative. Each sequence feels dynamic and engaging, and the ensemble embraces the choreography with palpable commitment.

Musical Director Marianne Powles leads the band with excellence, providing the pulsing soundtrack that drives this fast-paced production forward. The band’s energy is infectious, supporting soloists and ensemble numbers alike with precision and flair. From soaring emotional ballads to raucous battle songs, the music was vibrant and well-balanced, giving the production its mythic heart.

Lighting and sound design is strong across the board, with only a few technical blips—a remarkable feat given the incredibly short tech time for this production. The design choices enhances both the mood and magic, and there’s no doubt the already solid cues will become even sharper as the season progresses.

Credit must go to Director Sam Luxford, taking on his first mainstage show with GMS with an ambitious vision and clear affection for the material. This was a production of scale and detail, handled with assurance and care. From impressive props to a cleverly designed, highly effective set, and costumes that were incredibly detailed and immersive, every element added to the rich tapestry of the world. Smart use of entrances, exits, and utilisation of every inch of the stage, including a clever mezzanine level, reveals a director with strong instincts and a flair for visual storytelling.

What stood out most was Luxford’s evident love and deep understanding of the source material—a passion that had clearly been communicated to the entire cast and crew. The result? A show full of wonderful surprises, thoughtful choices, and an authenticity that gives the production real soul. This is not just a community theatre performance involving young people—it was a theatrical journey made by a creative team and cast who respected the story and delivered it with style, heart, and genuine joy.

GMS has produced a production that brings heart, humour, and heroism to the stage, carrying the audience through an unforgettable adventure. Despite some of the dialogue being delivered too quickly (no doubt due to Preview Show nerves), with such thoughtful and spirited performances, this production is already a resounding success—one that captures both the magic of mythology and the power of friendship.

Once Hermes sends word out how good this production is, especially as a great event for the school holidays, tickets will be snapped up like lightening!

RizzieReviews

Photography: James Begg and Erin Arundel

Tickets are available from

https://ccclaycock.sales.ticketsearch.com/.../sale.../147111

 

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