FROM DRAG ROYALTY TO DEMIGOD DUTY:
DANNY BEARD
JOINS THE CAST OF
BRINGING OLYMPIAN ENERGY TO AUDIENCES ACROSS THE UK IN 2026
“A bolt of stage magic.
A show that whisks you to another dimension.”
The Times
“A heartfelt musical romp that joyously entwines modern-myth with a story of self-acceptance”The Stage
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard will be joining the cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical for the next leg of its UK tour, starting in January 2026. 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 has 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 audiences around the UK 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).
LISTINGS
BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT
THE LIGHTNING THIEF
THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Lizzi Gee Director & Choreographer
Ryan Dawson Laight Set & Costume Designer
Tim Deiling Lighting Designer
Dan Samson Sound Designer
Matt Powell Video Designer
Jeremy Wootton Musical Supervisor
Will Joy Musical Director
Richard Pinner Illusions
Lisa Connell Fight Director
Libby Watts Associate Director & Choreographer
Christophe Eynde Associate Set & Costume Designer
Run Time: approximately 2hrs 10 minutes including interval
UK TOUR
2026
21 – 24 Jan Wales Millennium Centre 029 2063 6464
27 Jan – 1 Feb Hull New Theatre 01482 300306
4 – 7 Feb Malvern Theatres 01684 892277
11 – 21 Feb Manchester Home 0161 200 1500
24 – 28 Feb Birmingham Hippodrome 0121 689 3000
3 – 7 Mar Peterborough New Theatre 01733 852992
10 – 14 Mar Darlington Hippodrome 01325 405405
17 – 21 Mar Leicester Curve 0116 242 3595
Socials:
Instagram and Tiktok: @percyjacksononstageFacebook: @percyjacksonlondonTwitter/X: @PercyOnStage