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Ever since we watched the series and listened to the audiobooks on car journeys – no, the children did not read the book, unfortunately – we have been in love with the story of Percy Jackson. We also followed up by listening to Stephen Fry’s Mythos, surprisingly, the kiddos kept up and really enjoyed that too. Together, they cemented a basic knowledge of Greek Mythology into the little heads (not too bad for 9 and 11 years of age!), so as parents we’re quite chuffed when they showed excitement having been told we got tickets to see The Percy Jackson Musical. A big parenting win, finally, allow me.
We did take them already to watch Matilda and last year to Starlight Express – which they both enjoyed, especially Starlight Express, that is just such a unique musical with the fantastic music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
So, we thought, The Percy Jackson Musical is right up in our street – and we were not wrong.
The Percy Jackson Story
In case, you have not read the books (like us…ermmm) or have seen the series (I think it’s on Disney+ and Season 4 is about to be released) here’s a little summary, what’s it all about.
It’s US author Rick Riodan’s fantasy story et in our time, about a boy (Percy Jackson) who happens to be a young demigod. After discovering his identity of being Poseidon’s son, he finds himself in Camp Half-Blood, a training facility on Long Island, where he meets with all the other teenage demigods, like him. Their fathers swore not to not to have any offsprings after World War II, but of course, as per the true nature of Greek gods – they all did, multiple children in fact. His journey starts to travels across the US to recover Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent the Titans, led by Kronos, from destroying the world. It all ends well with the message for all teenagers around the world: we can either contribute to the world’s destruction or we can be part of its preservation.
The Lightning Thief Musical
After the books were published from 2005 onwards – so it’s a relatively new story, like Harry Potter, chances are that parent’s in their 40’s, like us, have never gotten into it. Then the movies came out in 2010-2013, followed by video games (obviously, I might get that for Christmas), the Disney series and the musical itself in between them, in 2014.
The music and lyrics are written by Rob Rokicki and the adapted book by Joe Tracz for the musical, titles as The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical.
In the UK, it premiered in 2022 in a production by a theatre group at the University of Leeds. It opened London 2024 and right now it’s touring the UK since August 2025 till Spring 2026. This is the production we have watched in the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Why Consider The New Wimbledon Theatre?
First of all, we live nearby so it’s not too hard to hop on the train and go to Wimbledon.
But mainly we do this, because the shows are much cheaper than on West End. For us, a family of 4, the tickets were under £100. Which is a lot cheaper than going to see the same show in London. Oftentimes, shows transfer from Wimbledon to West End (pretty much like from the Chichester Festival Theatre premiere) based on its success in Wimbledon.
Secondly, even if you visit London and you have a central London accommodation, let’s say, – it’s still not a huge trek to go to Wimbledon as it’s on the tube line, you can take the train from Waterloo and you’re in Wimbledon in 10 minutes.
Also, we sat at the very last row of the stalls and we had this good view. Nothing to complain about. For the children, they do offer booster seats (they are hard plastic, so no the most comfortable, but it does the job).
Review: What We Thought About the Percy Jackson Musical
It’s fantastic. That’s it, make sure you go and see it.
Seriously, it’s a great piece. Makes me wonder why it’s not been such a huge success initially, as it’s really en par with all the musicals currently residing at the West End. This one deserves a permanent spot too, in my opinion.
Catchy songs, great rock(ish) music but even more importantly fantastic vocals – all of them (in all honestly, the protagonist’s voice comes last in order but actors of Annabeth and Grover are exceptional singers). There are some real hits for me: Killer Quest!, The Tree on the Hill and D.O.A. Annabeth solo of My Grand Plan – has to be my favourite. First class crew.
The stage set is also very cleverly done and flows with the story. I really enjoyed the transitions from scene to scene. The choreography too, is outstanding – there isn’t an empty moment, everything flows, moves and happens, your eyes and ears are always filled with something pleasant or exciting happening on stage.
Some characters are better than others, but that’s how you build a musical for all ages. Whilst Percy is straight out of the book series and somewhat plain, like he has to be, the director really let their imagination run wild when bringing Mr. D aka Dionysos to life. One of my favourites.
It’s really good fun for kids too, especially if they know the story. Mine two enjoyed it immensely and been listening to the tracks ever since – whci is, I would say is the clearest, single indication that they loved every minute of it.
And me too. I love, love, love musical theatre and this has been a fantastic piece. I hope they find a permanent home for this production, because it’s worth it.