AN ACTOR who got his start in Basingstoke will originate the role of Percy Jackson in the London premiere of the hit musical.

Max Harwood will play the teenager who goes on a quest with two of his closest friends to save his mother, and the world, after discovering that he is the son of the Greek God Poseidon.

The trio faces trials and tribulations on their journey to the Underworld, encountering mythological monsters including Medusa and the Minotaur.

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The musical is based on the series of popular novels by Rick Riordan, which was adapted into a duology of films in the early 2010s before being further adapted into a Disney+ TV show in 2023.

Max Harwood attended Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School before studying theatre studies at Queen Mary's College.

He also took part in the BATS (Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society) NextGen group, which he previously told the Gazette helped spark his love for acting.

"I definitely found my love for acting in those circles. It continues to influence me. I very much feel that Basingstoke is part of my identity," he added.

The 27-year-old is best known for his breakout role as Jamie New in the 2021 film 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie' and could recently be seen playing Alan Munson in the West End show 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow'.

'The Lightning Thief, a Percy Jackson musical', premiered off-broadway in 2014 before embarking on a national tour across the United States, but has never been performed in London.

Max will play the lead role on stage at The Other Palace, a theatre situated in Central London, during its four-month run from November 23 to February 2.