Bring On The Monsters…The Lighting Thief Musical in Wimbledon
Monsters and demigods have stopped at New Wimbledon Theatre for The Lightning Thief Musical UK tour.
Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth, Vasco Emauz as Percy, Aidan Cutler as Grover and the ensemble
Based on the fantasy novel series by Rick Riordan, the musical follows teenager Percy Jackson, long labelled as “trouble” by every school attended. Everything changes upon the discovery of demigod status, the son of a mortal and a Greek god. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, Percy spends the summer meeting fellow demigods, unlocking the truth about his parentage, and facing the threat of an impending war among the gods. With danger rising, Percy and newfound friends set out on a quest that could save both the world and their summer.
Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth, Vasco Emauz as Percy, Aidan Cutler as Grover and the ensemble
Having previously been staged at The Other Palace, the shift to a larger theatre raises questions about how the show would adapt. The result is essentially a scaled-up version of the original staging. The set remains simple, featuring two actor-moved pieces and projections used effectively to transport characters and audiences to various locations including the Met Museum, the beach, Camp Half-Blood, a record store, and the Underworld.
The music delivers high energy and catchy hooks, though this time around the score feels noticeably cheesier and more directly targeted toward younger audiences. No confirmation of changes to arrangements or lyrics, but simpler rhymes stand out more prominently in the larger venue, giving the songs a slightly more juvenile tone overall.
The production offers a clear and engaging story, whether familiar with the source material or not, and continues to champion younger audiences. Press night brought a notably high number of pre-teens, creating a lively atmosphere and demonstrating the show’s appeal to new generations of theatregoers. Musical theatre exposure through such bold, accessible storytelling feels especially meaningful, even with the fantastical elements at play.
Vasco Emauz as Percy
At its heart, the show explores the universal experience of feeling out of place, overlooked, or misunderstood by the adults who shape the world, a theme that resonates strongly across ages. While not the most ground breaking spectacle, The Lightning Thief Musical remains a fun, heartfelt adventure that invites young demigods to feel seen and powerful.
The production plays in Wimbledon until 1 November, followed by a short break before the quest continues on tour into 2026.
★★★
Book tickets here.
Aidan Cutler as Grover, Vasco Emauz as Percy, Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth and the ensemble
Gifted press tickers
Photo credit: Johan Persson
