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.
Meet your new camp director, Danny Beard set to take on the role of Mr D in 2026
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!”
Leading the charge (and wielding the lightning bolt!) are:
- 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
- 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)
- Amy McEvoy (making her professional stage debut) as the ensemble
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.
What’s it about?
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.
The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The Creative Team
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
Also in the creative team:
- 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)
Where in the UK is The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical playing on tour?
21 – 24 Jan Wales Millennium Centre
27 Jan – 1 Feb Hull New Theatre
4 – 7 Feb Malvern Theatres
11 – 21 Feb Manchester Home
24 – 28 Feb Birmingham Hippodrome
3 – 7 Mar Peterborough New Theatre
10 – 14 Mar Darlington Hippodrome
17 – 21 Mar Leicester Curve
