Good Kid, Great Musical

Date - 18/05/2025

Theatre - The Other Palace

Seat - A 19

Star - 4

This show is all about Percy Jackson (Morgan) discovering who he is after being kicked out for not exactly fitting in. His mum sends him away to Camp Half-Blood, where he meets people like him who are dyslexic and have ADHD. But also demigods, half mortal and half god. He is sent off on a killer quest by his godly parent to save the world from war. The show is just an extension of the books of Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief.

The cast had a few members off and worked well to bring the show together. The cast has a great bond on and off stage, as it came across on stage. The cast put on a hilarious show. Yes, tonight there were a few mistakes, but it was live theatre. To some, laughing out of character is the end of the world, but to me, it was just two teenagers responding as they would if it happened in real time. If someone trips, real friends laugh, and that's what happened. The line didn't help: "the gods don't care if we hurt ourselves," which again worked well to the cast's advantage at this point in the show.

A lot of the cast had standout moments. Racheal was on fire singing D.O.A.; her energy really had a diva superstar moment. Another mention is Percy (Morgan) in "Good Kid," with the emotions and internalized struggles sneaking their way out. Annabeth (Lizzy) in "My Grand Plan" was full of raw emotions portraying Annabeth's struggles.

The costumes are very 2000s, nothing special but fitting in with the atmosphere of the show. The lights help set the emotional intensity of the show. The set is simple but effective for the storytelling, with two staircases being moved around the stage with doors to add more options for staging, like a bus, etc.

The show is paced very well. The first song has a lot to pack in, even though at times it feels like a lot of information is thrown at you. It soon slows down the pace. The first song sets up the story of a normal school, getting to know why Percy is different and what sets him off on his journey of discovery.

This show was very different from the other times I have seen it. In some ways, it was more relaxed; the cast had a bond. In others, the impact without some ensemble members meant that the scenes lost some details, such as being lost in the woods, but the only trees are the ones projected. However, they did the best they could as a cast with illnesses and absences.

The cast and crew efficiently moved the stairs as needed, ensuring the performance flowed seamlessly. Their dedication showcased professionalism and commitment to theater. The show is rich in symbolism, with the lightning bolt representing power and

conflict, reflecting the tumultuous journeys of the characters. Camp Half-Blood symbolizes a sanctuary for demigods, highlighting the human need for community and acceptance. The ocean, a recurring theme in Percy's adventures, signifies emotional strength and his connection to identity and heritage. The characters' quest serves as a metaphor for self-discovery, emphasizing courage, friendship, and personal growth through their trials.

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 The Other Palace's closest tube station is Victoria, which is step-free. The Other Palace

entrance is on ground level and has a ramp in the entrance. There are accessible toilets

on both the studio floor and in the foyer as well. As this show was in the studio, you can

easily access it with a staff member in the lift. Other measures such as earplugs, content warnings, and trigger warnings of the shows are on the doors. The theatre are also really easy to contact. If you need any assistance, you can email for early access if you require it, and all you need to do is notify them when you have arrived. The staff are all very polite and easy to talk to if you need any assistance.As for my seat, I bought unreserved studio seats, and due to the early access, I was able to get the first row so I could lip-read the actors on stage and hear them.