The Lightning Thief at HOME this Feb half-term.
From drag royalty to demigod duty Danny Beard joins the cast of The Lightning Thief – coming to HOME this Feb!
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard will be joining the cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical coming to HOME this February half term. With a dazzling track record—from their unforgettable performances on Britain’s Got Talent, to winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2022, and finishing runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year —Danny is set to bring their signature charisma, powerful vocals, and stage presence to the mythical world of Camp Half-Blood as the delightfully grumpy god of wine, Mr. D.
Danny Beard, who has been in Manchester for over 10 years after falling in love with the city when they came to study and went on to start their drag carer on the famous Canal Street said, “Who knew the Greek gods were crying out for a camp, bearded diva? I’m thrilled to be joining the incredible cast and creative team of the UK tour of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, playing Mr D - who just so happens to be the God of wine and drama. This show truly has something for everyone, and I’m looking forward to bringing the myth, magic and mayhem to Manchester in 2026!”
The mythical musical continues its quest into 2026 and leading the charge (and wielding the lightning bolt!) is Vasco Emauz (Back To The Future: The Musical) as the one and only Percy Jackson, Kayna Montecillo (Starlight Express) as the wise and fearless Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill ([title of show]) as everyone's favourite satyr sidekick, Grover.
They are joined by Simone Robinson (Coming to England) as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon) as Mr Bruner, Ellie-Grace Cousins (Mamma Mia!) as Clarisse, Paolo Micallef (who was cast following open auditions) as Luke with Alex Anderton (making his professional stage debut), Abe Armitage (The Wizard of Oz), Joseph Connor (Sister Act), Ellouise Delooze (making her professional stage debut), Becca Francis (Iolanthe at ENO) and Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble.
The Lightning Thief brings the hit stage adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel to audiences across the country. Beginning 2026 in Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (14 – 17 January) before heading to Hull New Theatre (27 January – 1 February), Malvern Theatres (4 – 7 February), Manchester Home (11 – 21 February), Birmingham Hippodrome (24 – 28 February), Peterborough New Theatre (3 – 7 March), Darlington Hippodrome (10 – 14 March) and finishing at Leicester Curve (17 – 21 March).
Based on the beloved book series (with over 180 million copies sold worldwide), Percy Jackson’s story has been adapted into both films and a major hit TV series for Disney+. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews and went on to have two US tours, another off-Broadway run in 2017 and a 16-week limited run on Broadway in 2019. The Lightning Thief made waves in the West End during its critically acclaimed, record-breaking run at The Other Palace.
When 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.
It’s the perfect adventure for gods and mortals of all ages with a gripping story that shows that ‘normal’ really is a myth!
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs) and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight (Burlesque), lighting design by Tim Deiling (SIX), sound design by Dan Samson (Heathers The Musical), video design by Matt Powell (Chess), musical supervision is by Jeremy Wootton (Heathers The Musical) with musical direction by Will Joy (Cruel Intentions – The 90s Musical), illusions by Richard Pinner (Ghost) and fight direction by Lisa Connell (Heathers). Associate Director & Choreographer is Libby Watts (Wicked) and Associate Set & Costume Designer is Christophe Eynde (Your Lie In April).
