Canadian Cult Musical Finally Arrives in London
After nearly fifteen years of anticipation, Ride the Cyclone has made its long-awaited UK debut at Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London. This peculiar but utterly captivating musical about six teenagers killed in a rollercoaster accident has been delighting audiences since its Canadian premiere in 2009 and subsequent off-Broadway run in 2015.
The show begins with a tragic twist of fate as a freak rollercoaster accident transports the teenage characters to a mysterious limbo. Here they encounter The Amazing Karnak, brilliantly portrayed by Edward Wu, who serves as both ominous overseer and mechanical oracle from within his fortune-telling booth.
Meet the Characters Fighting for a Second Chance
Each of the deceased teens must plead their case for why they deserve to return to life, creating the central conflict that drives the narrative. The ensemble includes Ocean (Baylie Carson), the morally upright overachiever; Noel (Damon Gould), the romantic dreaming of Paris; Mischa (Bartek Kraszewski), the angry rapper with hidden sensitivity; Ricky (Jack Maverick), the formerly mute comic book enthusiast; and Constance (Robyn Gilbertson), the seemingly simple 'nice girl' with surprising depth.
Adding to the mystery is Jane Doe (Grace Galloway), a headless girl with no memory who joins the group in their afterlife predicament. The mechanical oracle Karnak explains - through riddles - that only one of them can earn the precious second chance at life they all desperately crave.
A Musical Journey Through Diverse Sounds
Creators Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell have crafted a remarkably diverse musical score that ranges from soaring ballads to auto-tuned rap and even space-cat themed numbers. While not strictly a sung-through production, the rapid succession of musical numbers occasionally creates a relentless pace that might overwhelm some viewers.
Despite this minor pacing issue, the songs serve to deeply develop each character's backstory and aspirations. By the performance's conclusion, audience members find themselves emotionally invested in every character's fate, hoping against hope that each might somehow secure the coveted return to life.
The production occasionally leans into glittery earnestness and sometimes tells rather than shows emotional beats, but these minor flaws don't diminish the overall impact. The cast of Lizzi Gee's production demonstrates extraordinary versatility, executing backflips, character swaps, dance routines, and deadpan comedy with infectious energy that fills the intimate black-box space.
Technical Excellence Enhances Emotional Journey
The creative team has worked minor miracles within the compact venue. Tim Deiling's lighting design and Ryan Dawson Laight's props combine with Lizzi Gee's choreographic flourishes to transform the space into something both feverish and joyful. A rotating platform and central projections create an adaptable set that perfectly serves the story's surreal nature.
At its heart, Ride the Cyclone explores what it means to be truly alive. Even in death, these characters scramble for meaning, connection, and redemption - creating a delightful and devastating paradox that proves undeniably fun to watch.
The musical runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 10 January 2026, with tickets priced between £20-£40 (concessions available at £16-£32). Performances typically last approximately 90 minutes without an interval, making for an intense but thoroughly rewarding theatrical experience.
