I knew absolutely nothing about this show going into it, not having read the book by Rick Riordan, nor seen the 2010 film of the same name. However, I was delighted to attend after a lovely invitation from Joe Logan to see Smile Musical Youth Theatre’s Production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Smile are a new youth company with Lightning Thief only their third show after Pinocchio Pantomime and We Will Rock You.

Now, with a company who only began recently, one would be forgiven for not expecting a great deal, but that was not the case with Smile. Honestly, such was the quality in all departments, you would have thought it was an organisation of long-standing achievement. This was displayed by the cast, production, and the simple art of welcome to the event by Front of House where programmes, raffles and merchandise were all on sale with a Smile. See what I did there? No? Oh, forget it. But on with the show.

Percy Jackson is an ordinary teenager who discovers he is a Demigod when his mother is killed, and he is himself drawn into the world of Greek Mythology. There, he is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt so aided by allies, he sets off on a quest to retrieve it and redeem his name. It’s your typical mythical journey, encountering monsters in adventures reminiscent to the likes of Clash of the Titans and Jason and the Argonauts. With a book by Joe Tracz and music from Rob Rockiki, it is an entertaining romp for all.

I have got to say I loved Sam Broomhall-Tighe as the reluctant hero who really does not want to be where he has ended up, but whose laid-back approach was well captured in delivery. Excellent in all areas, especially during Good Kid. Playing opposite was Tiffany Steventon as Annabeth who was magnificent singing My Grand Plan. I also enjoyed the performance of Thomas Bastable as Grover, Percy’s friend who goes with them on the quest. Also strong in the principals were Freddie Perry (Luke), Ruby Blount (Sally), Josh Mills (Mr D), Noa Bailey Cartwright (Mr Bruner) and Erica Steventon (Katie). And I particularly loved the angsty attitude of Clarisse who was portrayed by Lauren Slater.

One thing I approved of was that everybody had a fair share of stage time (inclusivity rules), and all were named characters. As I have said, the cast were strong throughout, therefore I shall credit the remainder in the order they appear in the programme: Eva Grace Mahay (Silena), Lola-Jo Harper (Ares), Hannah Allsop (Aunty Em), Isabel Landa (Mrs Dodds), Emelia Smith (Charon), Cat Allsop (Hades), Taylor Simner (Gabe), Charlie McRobert (Kronos), Kyra Jepson (Thalia), Tillei Case (Bus Driver), Tegan Lynch (Minotaur), Andgelle Batchelor-Foster (Bianca), Grace Glover (Janis Joplin), Amelia Perry (Dodds Sister), Katelyn Harper (Dodds Sister), Makena Straker-Sharpe (James Brown), Libby Sandle (Passenger), Erin Grehan (Passenger), Shyian Chyna Miriam Staple (Newscaster), Kamile Kazlauskaite (Echidna), Shayla Elise Gordon (Conductor) and Georgia Haynes (Little Annabeth).

The vocals in this production were excellent and credit must go to Ella Dare (Musical Director) and Sarah Jennings (Vocal Coach and Production Assistant). Also on production was Olivia Jefferson as Rehearsal Assistant with overall charge being Joe Logan as director and choreographer. And I must say, the result of that choreography was outstanding of high professional quality. It was also nice to see some familiar faces from Birmingham Youth Theatre’s past shows, a company where Joe Logan mastered his skills to the point he could branch out on his own. And what a fantastic job he has done. Smile return next January at Gospel Oak School Theatre with Joe Logan’s self-penned version of Hansel and Gretel. I shall be there.

Cheers

Antony N Britt

*Photos taken from social media.