A 24-year-old Jersey actor who recently landed his first lead role in the West End said he reduced his parents to “tears, cheers, and screaming” when he called to tell them the news.
Morgan Gregory is set to take centre stage as Percy Jackson in ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’ at The Other Palace in London this March.
The 24-year-old actor, who grew up in St Helier and went to Victoria College, trained and performed in Jersey before moving to the UK at the age of 16 to study at Bird College of Performing Arts.
Early in his career, Morgan performed with the Jersey Academy of Dancing and in local productions at venues including the Arts Centre and Opera House.
After graduating from college in 2020, he has appeared in the Back to the Future musical, Elf the Musical, Newsies, and 42 Balloons.
Having previously understudied the character of Percy Jackson, Morgan is now stepping into the role full-time.
The actor sat down with Express to discuss his theatrical background, and what it means to bring such an iconic character to life on the London stage…
Can you tell us a little bit about your career background?
Graduating in lockdown definitely threw a curveball my way, but it was a challenge we all faced.
I spent that time at home perfecting self-tapes and audition materials so I’d be ready for the moment auditions came flooding back.
My first big role was in Back to The Future The Musical, a dream come true when the West End reopened in August 2021.
I was part of the original team, swinging through multiple roles. Then came Elf The Musical – I had some fun bringing Christmas magic to London. I even returned the following year.
In between, I joined the cast of Newsies, where I played 14 different roles across six months as a swing.
And more recently I originated the role of Air Traffic Controller in 42 Balloons, a unique production with an incredible story.
How does it feel to be taking on the lead role of Percy Jackson?
When I heard the show was extending and that the role of Percy was becoming available, I immediately made it clear it was something of interest.
I was eager but also nervous, as the production team wanted to see a fresh wave of talent.
So, you can imagine the sheer joy and excitement I felt when I got the call offering me the role.
I was overwhelmed, and of course, I immediately called my mum and dad – there were tears, cheers, and a lot of screaming down the phone!
It’s an absolute honour to step into such an iconic role, and I can’t wait to make it my own.
What’s been your approach to making the role your own while staying true to the source material?
I’ve had the privilege of playing Percy before as the cover, and with each performance, I’ve grown and evolved in the role.
I’ve read all the books, and I truly feel like I know Percy inside and out. But beyond the books, I want to bring his uniqueness to life – his authenticity, his humour, and his sense of fun.
I like to think I bring a bit of charming chaos to Percy’s character, adding layers of playfulness while staying true to what fans love about him.
What lessons from previous productions will you bring to this role?
Being part of so many incredible shows, with such talented casts, has been a masterclass in learning and growing.
I’ve observed the best and learned from them. But one thing I’ve always kept at the forefront is that every person involved in creating the show is crucial.
Whether it’s the cast, crew, musicians, or front-of-house team – each person’s contribution makes the magic happen, and it’s something I carry with me every day.
How did growing up in Jersey influence your theatre career?
I grew up in a household surrounded by theatre – my mum was deeply involved in Jersey’s amateur dramatics scene, choreographing and producing shows at the Arts Centre and Opera House.
It was like being raised on stage! I was also a part of the Jersey Academy of Dancing and spent summers at drama schools.
It was always clear to me that this was the path I was meant to take. Jersey, my parents, and the opportunities I seized along the way were all vital parts of getting me here.
Do you have any standout memories from your time understudying Percy that you’re bringing into this full-time role?
The first time I performed as Percy, I was full of nervous energy. But when the audience’s reaction was electric, you just gotta ride the wave till the end.
A lot of audience members have such an affinity with this character already so it’s very special to be able to connect with them after the show when they’ve seen a character so dear to them brought to life.
What’s been the most challenging or rewarding aspect of preparing for the role?
Percy is such a beloved character, and he’s portrayed as someone with ADHD and dyslexia.
I knew I had to honour that representation but avoid falling into stereotypes.
I wanted to make sure that Percy’s humour, charm, and heart shone through while making sure he remained true to the fans who hold him dear.
It’s a delicate balance, but it’s been one of the most rewarding challenges of my career.
What advice would you give to young performers from Jersey who dream of making it to the West End?
Embrace every opportunity! Get involved in as many shows, plays, and dance performances as you can.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different roles and remember that the ensemble is just as important as the lead.
Gaining experience in harmonies, teamwork, and backstage roles will set you up for success.
There’s no shortcut – every step along the way builds your foundation for something bigger.
What’s next for you beyond The Lightning Thief? Are there any dream roles you’d love to play in the future?
I’ve always said that my dream role would be one that’s written for me – something unique, something special.
But I’m excited to see where this adventure takes me next!
