Southwark Playhouse Elephant recently celebrated the star-studded gala night for the highly anticipated return of Ride The Cyclone, which officially opened on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The darkly comic cult musical, which runs throughout the summer season until 22 August 2026, features RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Divina De Campo leading an exceptional ensemble cast.
The glittering event drew a host of notable figures from across the British entertainment industry. High-profile guests in attendance included television and stage actors Ryan Sampson and Kerry Godliman, alongside prominent theatre stars Georgina Castle, Trevor Dion Nicholas, and Jac Yarrow. They were joined by industry creatives, including the production’s own makeup designer, Dominic Skinner, celebrated for his work on television's Glow Up.
The production stars Divina De Campo in the pivotal role of the mechanical fortune-teller, The Amazing Karnak. The talented young cast portraying the ill-fated teenagers includes Josh Butler as Noel, Grace Galloway as Jane Doe, Robyn Gilbertson as Constance, Bartek Kraszewski as Mischa, Jack Maverick as Ricky, and Kayna Montecillo as Ocean, with support from swings Rebecca D’Lacey and Nathaniel Purnell.
The narrative follows six high school chamber choir members who are suspended in limbo after a freak accident on a roller coaster. Given one final opportunity by the mechanical fortune-teller to return to life, each teenager steps into the spotlight to sing their case and prove why they deserve a second chance.
Featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, this fast-paced 90-minute musical is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee. The creative team also features musical director Ben McQuigg, set and costume designer Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting designer Tim Deiling, and illusion designer Richard Pinner. Produced by Kevin McCollum, Morris Berchard, and Jack Maple, the acclaimed show promises a thrilling, unexpectedly moving, and hilariously macabre theatrical experience for London audiences this summer.
