Danny Beard to join cast of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
Photo credit: Johan Persson
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion Danny Beard will join the cast of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical for the next leg of its UK tour, starting in January 2026, it has been announced.
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 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 as the one and only Percy Jackson, Kayna Montecillo as the wise and fearless Annabeth, and Cahir O’Neill as everyone's favourite satyr sidekick, Grover.
They are joined by Simone Robinson as Sally Jackson, Niall Sheehy as Mr Bruner, Ellie-Grace Cousins as Clarisse, and Paolo Micallef as Luke, with Alex Anderton, Abe Armitage, Joseph Connor, Ellouise Delooze, Becca Francis, and Amy McEvoy in 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 on 14 January, the tour will then visit Hull, Malvern, Manchester, Birmingham, Peterborough, Darlington, and Leicester.
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling The Lightning Thief has a book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee, with set and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting by Tim Deiling, sound by Dan Samson, video design by Matt Powell, musical supervision by Jeremy Wootton, musical direction by Will Joy, illusions by Richard Pinner, and fight direction by Lisa Connell.