The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical

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.