Ride the Cyclone

From the moment you walk into the Southwark Playhouse the show begins. Ride The Cyclone is a show that has travelled from overseas and is now gracing London with a story of what happens to a group of prep-school teenagers from Nowheresville USA when they lose their lives suddenly in a freak rollercoaster accident. The narrative plot of the show is virtually non-existent as it all takes place in real time and the focus is much more on the six school-age characters who grace the stage for the entire show and each divulge into the depths of their lives in order to defend their existence and fight for the opportunity to claim their life back after death, as promised by "The Amazing Karnak" who claims to have to have the power to restore just one of them to their former, living selves. As the story unfolds, the audience sees each character in a light that may not match their initial expectations or conceived notions, which allows the audience to feel as though they are also judging each tale as well as experiencing the reactions of the rest of the characters watching the curtain of each character fall with each facade dropped.

All of the songs in the show are spectacular and the quality of the performance is second to none. With such a small cast creating such vocal power, both as an ensemble and within solos is a challenge, but the talent of the actors speaks volumes to their skills and professionalism since what they lack in size they make up for with ability. The comedic timing of the actors is what makes the show stand out from others. Playing school aged children is something many actors across theatre have to do, but in Ride The Cyclone it is fully believable and the lines read the way teenagers would actually interact, which is a testament to both the script and the chemistry of this intimate cast. The structure was formulaic as each of the characters would get their opportunity to shine while defining and defending their name while the rest would support with vocals and movement. While the stage is small, they fill the theatre right to the top with their energy and calibre of performance. There is not a dull moment in the entirety of this 90-minute spectacle. Even when not soloing, each actor never for a second is out of character when the spotlight is not on them, which is what adds to the reality and immersive feel of the musical. The songs and script are strong, but as there are only 7 characters carrying this show, without the right cast to back it up the show would not have the monumentous impact it does, which is why it is lucky that this cast is what makes the show shine as bright as it does.

The direction by Lizzi Gee is what elevates the standard of the show, as the venue is intimate it takes a lot to feel that "wow" impact which she manages to create through the immersive and bright approach she takes. The actors are constantly moving around to create a dynamic feel which lends itself to the suspenseful energy of the characters and they move off the stage to create more space and levels as the story progresses. However, the most standout feature of the show is the use of props. With minimal set and background it is the use of props that carries this show, elevating it to the professional standard it exudes. The props are more than your average handheld items, they are big, bold, colourful, and come from the ceiling, do not underestimate a small stage when there is a director with a big vision!

Overall, the show has good pacing and structure without being repetitive, despite the untraditional non-linear nature of the majority of the story. This is a musical that keeps the audience guessing, on the edge of seats in the most literal sense. The unique concept means that the audience are doing exactly what the characters are: trying to form an opinion on who they believe deserves to live, which is what gives the show its gripping and addictive nature, as well as the toe tapping tracks, and comedic offside one-liners. Ride The Cyclone is about the journey, not the destination, and if you have the opportunity to journey over to the Southwark Playhouse and see this spectacle of flashing lights and disillusion, then you definitely should.

Theatre: Southwark Playhouse

Reviewer: Faith Blackden

Date: 18/11/2025

Star: 5