Whitgift School electrifies with bold, heartfelt production of The Lightning Thief

Whitgift delivered a thunderous hit with its production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. For three vibrant nights, the show transported audiences into a world of myth, monsters, and music, powered by a cast of talented students and a band that roared like a rampaging minotaur. 

This wasn’t your average school musical - Joe Tracz’s book and Rob Rokicki’s genre-bending score were brought to life by Miss Spedding (Director and Choreographer) and Mr Morrison (Musical Director). The set design was outstanding, and with the addition of striking lighting sequences, every scene came to life combining a multitude of hit songs and emotions. 

Beyond the spectacle, the production resonated deeply with themes of identity and neurodivergence. Percy Jackson, a boy with A.D.D. and dyslexia, struggles in school until he discovers these traits are actually battle instincts - gifts, not burdens. His journey speaks to many neurodivergent students who feel misunderstood in traditional classrooms. As Einstein said “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” At Camp Half-Blood, Percy and his peers - each unique, each different - find strength in their differences. 

The show was a hit with families and fans alike - this production was loud, heartfelt, and unashamedly fun - a celebration of difference, resilience, and what it truly means to be a hero.