REVIEW | Supersonic Man - A New Musical, Southwark Playhouse - Borough
- Harry Brogan
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 12
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
TW/CW: This production contains strong language, flashing lights, loud noises, ableist language, smoking, vaping, suicidal ideation, and adult references.
Another new musical make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse but this time at its original theatre the Theatre Borough. Supersonic Man is a new musical that feels like it is making an ambitious attempt, that doesn't succeed.
Supersonic Man inspired by a true story of Peter Scott Morgan and his story from the Channel 4 documentary ' Peter - The Human Cyborg'. Set in Brighton's LGBTQI+ community we follow Adam who unexpectedly gets diagnosed with MND (Motor Neurone Disease) and him challenging it by becoming the one thing Adam can think of and that is a Cyborg.
With the book, music and lyrics written and also directed by Chris Burgess, and with choreography by Philip Joel, Supersonic Man is a musical that has many flaws in more ways than one.
Writer Chris Burgess, attempts to write an inspirational awareness musical for a life changing illness, which yes does bring it front and centre. Though Burgess tries to contend with providing awareness ,while also bringing comedy, but unfortunately here it doesn't work, with some jokes seeming forced, that unfortunately didn't land or even feeling slightly uncomfortable at times. Burgess does also, sad to say, write what are characters that are flawed such as Darryl (Dominic Sullivan) who felt like he needed more work as he felt like he was written as nothing other than Adam's Boyfriend and carer. Burgess' book is weak with dialogue feeling like it doesn't really go in depth and skims over much needed information. I do admire the attempt of the book but it struggles to be truly something that you could connect with.
While Burgess' Lyrics have an okay narrative to them and slightly move the plot along, they are more conversational than really telling an in depth story, and the characters thoughts and feelings with them overall feeling left behind. Also the music felt like it did not really have a cohesive feel, mixing various styles which felt muddled. All in all the shows numbers ultimately struggle to leave lasting impact.
The cast of 5 do a nice job in performing over the 120 minute duration. Mali Wen Davis brings a likeable funny character as Shaz, who does get the audience laughing at times. With Dylan Aiello playing Adam who also gives a funny, but also sarcastic performance plus showing some nice vocals. James Lowrie gives a camp and energetic performance as Ben and a joy to watch.
The thought is there throughout the show, though the crucial elements don't work, it's a musical with huge potential. With lacking music and lyrics, a book that is needing much needed work, and very simple direction, ultimately Supersonic Man feels confused and needs more clarity to deliver the message it tried to.
★★
Supersonic Man plays at Southwark playhouse Borough until the 3rd of May.
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