Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse
Most of us have at one point or another wondered what exactly happens after death. In Ride the Cyclone, writers Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell imagine an unexpected, innovative answer to this question. The musical follows the “afterlives” of six teenagers in small-town Canada. Following a freak roller coaster accident at the fairground where they’re competing in a school signing competition, they are rendered dead and find themselves stuck in a strange limbo. When they are informed that one of them will get a second chance at life, they must prove why they should be the one chosen.
While the premise may seem dark, the show is anything but. Ride the Cyclone explores what is typically a sombre topic with both humour and, occasionally, earnestness. While a musical might not be the obvious choice of format for a story ostensibly about death, the songs and dance numbers serve to enhance the production’s comedic elements, as well as its heartfelt ones. The musical tracks are also necessary for the audience’s understanding of each of the six characters, as they take to the spotlight one by one to enlighten their peers as to the innermost workings of their hearts and minds.
There is not a stock character to be found in this cast, as each persona is richly imagined and fleshed out as much as is possible within the constraints of an hour and a half run-time. Clichés are avoided as the students’ individual quirks are revealed: a gay man dreams of a nihilistic existence as a “tragic” sex worker in France; a Ukrainian rapper hides a passionate longing for his online fiancé through autotuned lyrics about money; a boy rendered mute in life following a diving accident lives a magnificent alternate reality in his mind as a sort of outer space Lothario.
The vocals are strong across the board, with a particularly affecting song performed by Grace Galloway as “Jane Doe”, an unidentifiable student who longs to know who she was in life. The choreography, organised by Lizzi Gee, who is also the director, is well thought-out and engaging, with a large number of dance numbers eliciting laughs. There is no weak link amongst the cast, with performances delivered evenly. Edward Wu is particularly strong in his delivery and comedic timing as the “Amazing Karnak”, who acts as a sort of god or devil figure overseeing the afterlife.
While not straightforward as a meditation on life and death, Ride the Cyclone is exceptionally creative in its particular premise. The musical is a great choice for anyone seeking a unique and entertaining story that will leave them laughing.
Madison Sotos
Photos: Danny Kaan
Ride the Cyclone is at Southwark Playhouse from 20th November 2025 until 11th January 2026. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.
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