"The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical"

Erewash Musical Society Youth Group.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Ahead of the first professional touring production, Erewash Musical Society Youth Group get in there first with this production; a musical that I've never seen before, but the soundtrack is pretty good, may I say.

Although many may not know this musical, I think sometimes that by taking that risk of staging a fairly little known and new musical, you get to see these young actors, even if you've seen most of them before, as I have, in a fresh light because you don't really know what to expect from their characters, and therefore the actors. It's definitely a risk that paid dividends for this group!

New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined. With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and a whole textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero. The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure, with one of those friends set to betray him....but which one?

Percy Jackson is played by 14 year old Elis Moore, who I last saw playing Joe Vegas, a comedy role in the most recent past production of "Fame Jr". That comedy experience has stood him in really good stead for this role. Not an out and out comedy role but Elis delivers the comedy lines directly and expertly, all of which hit home with clarity. I knew that he had a good voice, and this role showcased the power of that voice. Elis is not at all phased with taking the reins of a leading man and looked completely at ease with everything that he did on stage tonight.

Annabeth Chase, Percy's new ally and demigod daughter of Athena, is played by Izzy Cole. Brilliant character role, and with this being a major role, we also get to hear a voice that is perfect for musical theatre from Izzy. There's a lovely breath control whenever Izzy sings, which makes certain that you hear every single word that Izzy sings at a controlled pace.

Grover, who protects Percy Jackson is played by Lowri Moore. What I like about Lowri is the variety in her roles. In "Fame Jr" she played the part of a ballet dancer, and in "Annie Get Your Gun", the right hand man to Sitting Bull, both roles a million miles away from Grover, showing Lowri's flexibility.

Mr Brunner, Percy's favourite teacher who helps him out on a school field trip and initially introduced as a middle-aged man in an electric wheelchair; and Chiron, a centaur, both are played by Lauren Hazeldine.

Grace Sims plays Percy's Mum Sally, a strong and compassionate mother to Percy. Grace really fits the role, even though she is only slightly older than Elis, showing that Grace is ready to take on those more mature characters, especially as this (I believe) is Grace's final role with the Youth Group.

Jack Tuxford is playing Luke, son of Hermes and Castellan, Luke is the friendly head counselor of Hermes cabin who bears the scar of a battle with a dragon. Nice, powerful performance from another young man who I have had the pleasure of seeing on stage quite a few times over the last few years with Erewash Youth Group.

Mr Dionysus, aka Mr D, the camp Director is played by Toby Wykes, in one of his best roles I've seen him play, even better than Tyrone Jackson in the previous Youth Group show. This role shows Toby as a natural comedy character actor, with just the right amount of campness.

Eleanor Cooper plays Ares, the God of war who has a couple of run ins with Percy, and Kronos, a titan who ate his children because he did not trust them, who also has a fateful encounter with Percy. This show will be the last one for Eleanor, before she moves to a senior group.

Jessie Gatehouse doubles up as Aunt Em/Medusa. Athena punished Aunty Em by transforming her into a hideous monster, Medusa who turns victims to stone when they look her in the eye. 

Yasmin Aldous plays Clarice, the daughter of Ares who bullies Percy at Camp Half-Blood.

Gabriella Tilley is Charon, the Underworld security guard.

Oracle is played by Eloise Chamberlain.

Oliver Nolan plays the part of Poseidon, the god of the sea and one of the "Big Three" Gods and Percy’s biological father. I have a feeling by the reaction of sections of the audience that Oliver's acting talents are not the only things that impressed them!! This young man is officially cool!

Clarissa Armitage plays Silena.

Jessie Jerram is Katie.

Hades, the god of the Underworld and one of the Big Three gods, is played by Noah Hickling, who appears close to the end of the musical as he tries to get Percy and his friends to return The Lightning Bolt to him. Another good role for Noah and I did note his brilliant jacket, even in the shadows.

Mrs Dodds, the mean and tough mathematics teacher who has it in for Percy. She transforms into a monster called a Fury and attacks Percy, and is played by Livvi Hickling in this meaty character.

Gabe, Sally Jackson’s husband, and stepfather to Percy. He is lazy and abusive and spends his time sitting at home, is played by Harry O'Boyle. This is a great comedy role for Harry, who seems to have shot up in height again. Love the padding he wears to make him look tubby and love his natural comic flair.

Kurt Cobain is played by Theodore Goodwin, Janis Joplin is played by Myla Statham-Browne and Mozart is played by Blake Hagan. Three characters who now dwell in the Underworld. Love the costumes for all three as well.

Bianca is played by Rose Staniford, the Newscaster is played by Martha Smart and Farmer is played by Eva Woodcock.

Directed by Chris Renshaw, he has brought every ounce of fun in this production, keeping the pace up throughout.

Choreographed by Hayden Fletcher, and who better to take this young cast through their paces in this fresh and fun musical; someone who'll always be fresh and fun!

Musical Director is George Parkinson. The band were on stage all the time, slightly hidden by sections of the scenery. A really nice punchy sound and you can tell from this cast's vocals that a lot of work has gone into making this new set of songs sound like they have known the soundtrack all of their lives.

Set Design is by Mark Robbins and Bill Robbins. A very impressive set of white pillars overlook the stage with a garret that runs across of the set, giving characters more entrance and exit points. The additional props for the set are brought on and removed by the actors and stage crew very slickly. Mark is also the Stage Manager. 

Costumes are by Eloise Chamberlain, who was also responsible for printing all of the "Camp Half Blood" T Shirts you see on stage, EMUS Committee and friends and family of EMUS and are very impressive, especially the Minotaur, which has the ability to give nightmares with those eyes.

Lighting Design and Operation is by Richard Chamberlain, assisted by Dave Martin is extremely good, with plenty of red hues to reflect the Underworld and the danger aspects throughout. Apart from the blood red lighting there's an absolute palette of colour to reflect the colourful characters in this story.

Sound Design and Operation is by Dave Dallard, assisted by Jack Clark. This area I am always critical of, but tonight it was practically perfect. Well balanced between band and vocalists. meaning you could hear every comical line the actors delivered, even over any incidental background music. A very comfortable aural experience.

It's so refreshing to see a Youth Group such as EMUS putting on a musical that is as new as this one, especially when they could have played it safe by choosing a "junior" production of a musical, but as I said earlier, they took a risk on a new musical, and it paid off, especially judging by the reaction the stage received at the final bows. It's fun, fresh and fantastic and should not be missed.

"The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical" is at The Duchess Theatre until Saturday 5 July.