Micro Review: Ride The Cyclone – Southwark Playhouse

Absolutely worth the trip from Bristol to London

Following the outstanding production of Ride The Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse last December, the hit show has been given a summer revival, again wowing audiences who just keep coming back.

The musical is a darkly comic and beautiful look at mortality, identity, a life lived and existentialism.

Six teenagers find themselves in limbo after a roller-coaster accident and must convince fairground fortune telling machine The Amazing Karnak why they deserve a second chance at life. But, one of the teenagers, despite being in a St Cassian School uniform, is a stranger to the others with no memory of who they are. And, their head has been decapitated in the accident and is now missing.

It sounds a bit bonkers, but it’s funny, heartwarming and tragic all at the same time.

The cast is outstanding. Returning to the roles are Grace Galloway as Jane Doe, Robyn Gilbertson as Constance, Bartek Kraszewski as Misha, Jack Maverick as Ricky and Rebecca D’Lacey and Nathaniel Purnell as Swing.

They are joined by Divina De Campo as The Amazing Karnak, Kayna Montecillo as Ocean and Josh Butler as Noel.

Every single song is a banger.

The audience collectively held their breath through The Ballad of Jane Doe. Grace Galloway has become an internet favourite in the role.

Josh Butler’s story telling Noel’s Lament was so strong you could almost smell the cigarettes, whiskey and club smoke.

Kayna Montecillo’s relentless over enthusiasm and journey as Ocean, is one of self discovery that probably undergoes the most development, It takes her from peer annoyer to someone who has really grown.

Jack Maverick’s Space Age Bachelor Man with its space cats is always an utterly hilarious crowd pleaser.

Bartek Kraszewski’s Taila moved from dreamy beauty to some mighty fine Hopak dance.

Robyn Gilbertson’s Jawbreaker monologue, another beautiful and heartbreaking moment leading us into Sugar Cloud.

@chopsybristoltt Ride The Cyclone. Immense. A funny and beautiful musical that really hits you in the heart. Loved it. The whole Jaw breaker monologue 😭 and Sugar Cloud #ridethecyclone #ridethecyclonemusical #ridethecycloneedit #londontheatre ♬ original sound – ChopsyBristol

Of course, not forgetting Divina De Campo, who brought to life The Amazing Karnak for us. For added bonus, they hit the stage at the end to ditch the dry humour for a joyous sing with the rest of the cast.

Obviously, this is a London production, but it’s absolutely worth going to see this musical. It’s a fantastic production overall and the show doesn’t come around very often.

Ride The Cyclone is only on until 22 August 2026, so don’t miss it.

For more information: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/ride-the-cyclone/

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