Lightning Boy is a fun and modern piece focusing on classical history, mythology and accessible mature themes. The backdrop of Olympus offers a playground for the actors of the performance to deliver the message of this piece well: found family versus blood, the struggle between father and son(s), and finding your own place against family expectations, especially in matters of love. The direction specifically highlights the themes of “toxic masculinity, familial abuse, and the pressures of growing as a teenage boy”-Will Dunn.
Three sons, all very different to each other, find their own ways to deal with their oppressive father, Cronos, played by Freddie Tickle. Hades, played by Quentin Ballard, is the eldest and vies for his father’s approval in the face of the knowledge that he has never been the favoured son. Poseidon, played by Joseph Firth, who is flamboyant and has accepted that as the middle child, he would never be favoured, so he lives as his own man, unbothered by the expectations of his father, but wrestles with his feelings towards his brothers. Lastly, our hero, Zeus, played by Toby Mocrei, who wants to change the way the gods interact with the mortal world, after falling for a human woman, Lo, played by Lizzie Wells.
The background of the mythology behind the piece is somewhat altered, however, central characteristics of the gods are consistent, with some humour surrounding elements of the mythos (such as the reference to Poseidon’s dominion over horses).
The piece makes excellent use of set changes, and perhaps the most crucial element of the performance, lighting, is used to excellent effect, with Hades underworld (the blues club) feeling unsettlingly oppressive and dark, Poseidon’s car wash having a party vibe, and the diner that Zeus spends most of his time in feeling warm and familiar, with Olympus having an elegant, yet cold feeling. Capturing an atmosphere so well was an incredible feat by lighting designer Aaron Deutson; however, the special effects truly vitalise this piece, from the dim fires of Greece, to the dimmed neon of Hades, and of course the astoundingly powerful lightning of Zeus.
Hermes, played by Aarti Panesar, introduces the piece as its narrator, while also offering exposition throughout the piece away from the lens of the primary characters, and several of the side characters offer depth to the piece, with Hades’ right hand, Ares, played by Jake Butler-Smith, offering a powerful presence. Although his role is relatively small, his casting in this role carried gravitas.
Individually and as an ensemble, the quality of performance was high, the singing captivated the audience, and for a premiere, introducing audiences to new songs that excited them demonstrates the talent of those involved.
This piece has the potential to grow and become a popular and innovative new musical, and with minor refinements, will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
Lightning Boy plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 23 Aug
★ ★ ★ ★