A well-known story has found a new home in Gosnells.
There’s a local cast bringing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to the stage for the first time in Western Australia.
Presented by Art In Motion Theatre Company, the production runs during the April school holidays at Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, featuring nine performers and a live band made up of WA musicians.
Director Liam Tickner said the company had been eager to stage the show as soon as the rights became available.
“At Art in Motion (AIM) we pride ourselves on finding new young adult productions and bringing exciting, new stories to the stage so when we found the rights for this productions; it was a no brainer,” he said.
Tickner, who made his directorial debut with the show, said he had been a long-time fan.
“I was a big fan of the show prior to the rights becoming available, so always had it on my radar. I don’t think I could apply fast enough when I saw they finally became available.”
Rehearsals began late last year, with the cast meeting several times a week in the lead-up to opening night.
“We auditioned the show back in November and have been pretty much rehearsing three times a week since,” he said.
“It’s been amazing to see how far everyone has come since day one and the connections that have formed between the entire team.”
The production brought together a mix of new and familiar performers from across WA, something Tickner said added to the experience.
“What I love about this particular production is that there’s a mix of performers working with AIM for the first time and some local regulars which is awesome.”
Lead actor Joshua Hollander, who plays Percy Jackson, described the role as both exciting and challenging.
“Stepping into Percy has been very exciting, if not a little daunting, as he is such a well-known character,” he said.
“It is very fun to be able to play such a sarcastic and angsty character, and it has been really enjoyable getting to tap into that ‘inner child’ when performing.”
Hollander said his connection to the character also draws on personal experience.
“My mum passed away two years ago, and she had supported me through every show I did. Now, every time I perform, I feel like I’m performing for her.”
The story follows Percy, a teenager who discovers he is the son of a Greek god, and is drawn into a quest that tests his sense of identity, friendship and belonging.
Hollander said one of the key messages is how differences are viewed.
“My favourite theme/message of the show is that it frames Percy’s ADHD and dyslexia as strengths, not deficits,” he said.
“As someone with ADHD, I wish this sentiment was more widely shared, and it is so cool that we are able to help perpetuate this message of inclusivity and self-acceptance.”
He said he hopes younger audiences leave with a stronger sense of confidence.
“I hope they leave the theatre feeling like you don’t need to ‘fit into a box’ to be normal.”
Tickner said working with a local cast and crew made the production more meaningful for audiences.
“I think having a local cast and team makes it more exciting for audiences, giving them a more tangible connection to the show and seeing a familiar face on stage.”
He also acknowledged the support of the City of Gosnells and the venue.
“We are so grateful to have the support of the local government in backing local arts and allowing us to continue bringing stories to life.”
The show blends humour, music and Greek mythology, while keeping a focus on everyday experiences.
“It’s really about feeling like an outsider and trying to find your place in the world,” Hollander said.
After the Percy Jackson season, Art In Motion Theatre Company is set to return with another production later this year.
“We are so excited to be presenting ‘Spring Awakening’ this July,” Tickner said.
