A wildly inventive, visually dazzling production bursting with imagination, humour and talent
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What's it about?
Six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir lose their lives in a tragic rollercoaster accident. Suspended in limbo, they are given one extraordinary opportunity: each must tell their story and make the case for why they deserve to return to life. Equal parts dark comedy, musical, fantasy and coming-of-age story, Ride the Cyclone is a wonderfully eccentric musical that explores identity, ambition and what it means to truly live. The production returns to the Southwark Playhouse following a highly successful run in 2025.
What we loved best
This production is a masterclass in theatrical imagination. It proves that you don't need a vast West End budget to create something visually thrilling when creativity is leading the way. Every inch of the Southwark Playhouse stage is used with extraordinary ingenuity, transforming the intimate space into a constantly evolving theatrical playground.
Director and choreographer Lizzi Gee deserves enormous credit and has created a wonderful sense of playfulness throughout. Every musical number feels like its own fully realised theatrical event, complete with its own visual identity and style. The attention to detail is remarkable, with inventive choreography, clever prop work, costume designs and sound effects combining seamlessly to create moments that are surprising, funny and always entertaining.
The production's design is equally inspired. The creative team makes full use of lighting, projections, curtains, illusions, a revolving stage and every technical tool at its disposal to continually reinvent the space.
One of the production's standout moments is super talented Mischa Bachinski's Ukrainian-inspired number. From the effective transformation of costumes to traditional Ukrainian folk clothes, props that turn the stage into a canopy of ribbons and flowers, and Ukrainian Hopak dancing….it is an absolute showstopper. Performed with enormous heart and conviction, it perfectly captures the joyful theatricality that makes this production so memorable.
The cast throw themselves wholeheartedly into the show's wonderfully eccentric characters and embrace the musical's offbeat humour. Divina De Campo is perfectly cast as The Amazing Karnak, acting as a sort of narrator over the action.
The score is another of the show's greatest strengths. Ride the Cyclone delivers a collection of genuinely catchy and distinctive numbers.
Anything we didn't love?
Having each character tell their story through their featured moment becomes a little formulaic.
Who would enjoy it?
Fans of cult musicals such as Beetlejuice, Heathers, The Addams Family and Little Shop of Horrors will find plenty to love. Those who enjoy new musical writing, seeing something unique and the intimate nature of Off West-End musicals will love this show.
Who created it?
Book, music and lyrics by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond. This Southwark Playhouse production is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee, set and costume design by Ryan Dawson-Laight, musical direction by Ben McQuigg, lighting design by Tim Deiling and sound design by Tom Marshall.
Verdict
From its exceptional direction and inventive staging to its humourous songs and fearless performances, this is a highly polished production where every creative department is working at the top of its game. Funny, moving and endlessly original, Ride the Cyclone is a shining example of just how magical small-scale musical theatre can be.