NEWS - RIDE THE CYCLONE THE MUSICAL – UK PREMIERE CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

🎢 Ride the Cyclone – How It Became a Cult Hit

Darkly funny, wildly imaginative, and surprisingly heartfelt, Ride the Cyclone has been captivating audiences across the globe for more than 15 years. Written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, the genre-defying musical follows six teenagers killed in a freak rollercoaster accident. Trapped in limbo, they are given one last chance at life – if they can convince an enigmatic figure that they are most deserving of it.

The 90-minute show first premiered at Atomic Vaudeville in British Columbia in 2008 before heading to Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2015 and Off-Broadway’s Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2016. Since then, it’s played in Seattle, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Sydney and Buenos Aires. The 2021 world premiere cast recording has gone on to become a cult hit, streamed hundreds of millions of times worldwide.

Now, Ride the Cyclone makes its long-awaited UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant this November.

🌟 Meet the Cast of Misfits

The full cast for the UK premiere has now been revealed, featuring a mix of West End talent and exciting professional debuts:

• Edward Wu (Kim’s Convenience) as The Amazing Karnak

• Baylie Carson (Mean Girls, SIX) as Ocean

• Grace Galloway (Priscilla The Party, Blood Brothers) as Jane Doe

• Robyn Gilbertson (professional debut) as Constance

• Damon Gould (Cabaret, Newsies) as Noel

• Bartek Kraszewski (professional debut) as Mischa

• Jack Maverick (professional debut) as Ricky

• Nathaniel Purnell (Shucked, The Time Traveller’s Wife) – Understudy

• Rebecca D’Lacey (The Rocky Horror Show) – Understudy

Writers Richmond and Maxwell said:

“We are beyond thrilled that a musical, which began in the basement of a Ukrainian church in Victoria, Canada, has finally found its way to London, England, this fall! The exceptional team assembled for this production is truly remarkable, and we can’t wait for UK audiences to experience Ride the Cyclone!”

🎭 The Creative Minds Behind the Madness

The production will be directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee, with musical direction by Ben McQuigg. The creative team also includes:

• Set & Costume Design – Ryan Dawson Laight

• Lighting Design – Tim Deiling

• Video Design – Nina Dunn for PixelLux

• Sound Design – Tom Marshall

• Casting – Harry Blumenau

• Production Management – Toby P Darvill for Production Solutions Group

• General Management – Jack Maple Productions

The UK premiere is presented by Kevin McCollum, Morris Berchard and Jack Maple, and licensed by Broadway Licensing.

📅 When and Where to Catch It

• Venue: Southwark Playhouse Elephant

• Previews Begin: Friday 14 November 2025

• Opening Night: Wednesday 19 November 2025

• Final Performance: Saturday 10 January 2026

Due to overwhelming demand, five additional performances have already been added. The production even set a record as the fastest-selling show in Southwark Playhouse history, with more tickets sold within 24 hours than any previous production.

🚀 Why This Musical Is a Must-See

With its blend of dark comedy, dazzling originality, and heart-wrenching storytelling, Ride the Cyclone is more than a musical – it’s a phenomenon. UK audiences are about to experience a show that has enchanted fans around the world and built a devoted cult following.

🎢 Buckle up, London – Ride the Cyclone is set to be the ride of your life.