Supersonic Man | Southwark Playhouse Borough

Supersonic Man, which is written and directed by Chriss Burgess, is a bold and brilliant new musical that is loosely based on Peter Scott-Morgan, as we follow Adam who develops MND (Motor Neurone Disease) and how he fiercely refuses to let his spirits be weighed down by the news. With the help of the love of his life, Darryl, supportive friends and improved technology, Adam fights for a brighter future for himself by wanting to become a human cyborg. 

The Musical follows Adam and his partner as they receive the news and it shakes their world. Influencer and column writer for a local queer magazine, Adam spirals as life as he once knew slowly slips away from him, causing him to often lash out at Darryl. However, with love and patience from Darryl and hope for the future, Adam quickly spurs himself to advocating for large scale change to the medical industry, appealing to leaps in scientific discovery. Staying on brand and as a revolutionary way to help fund this scientific research, Adam stars in his own reality show, broadcasting his daily struggles and the relationship between himself and Darryl. As the disease progresses and patience wears thin, Adam and Darryl come to realise that there may not be light at the end of the tunnel after all. 

The musical does a splendid job at taking this slightly unusual subject matter and tackles it with the sensitivity it deserves, without being overcome by seriousness. Much like the fun-loving, witty and dramatic protagonist Adam, the musical chooses to indulge itself with a fun, queer, and camp direction. The musical is hilarious, causing riotous laughter throughout, and is careful to never overwhelm audiences even in the more somber moments. Burgess chooses to reference Stephen Hawking, British physicist and author, throughout the play, helping audiences quickly understand both the disease and the heights to which technology can help elongate lifespan. 

The cast each deliver excellent performances, with memorable and distinctive characters. Jude St. James, James Lowrie and Mali Wen Davies take on a multitude of roles which they seamlessly slip into with the help of small accessories and accent changes. St. James has a quiet force behind her performance as Ruth, a realistic but caring friend, whose harsh truth are well conveyed. Lowrie as Ben brings the flamboyance and positivism to his performance, always lifting up the audience's spirits. Davies shines as Shaz, Adam's oldest friend, with a wonderfully cheery and no-bullshit attitude. Davies' performance is one of the show's highlights, often causing the loudest laughs. 

Dylan Aiello as the titular Supersonic Man/Human Cyborg does a splendid job at bringing the constant clashing feelings of remaining hopeful and feeling hopeless. Whilst the character may not always be likable, which is completely justified under the circumstances, Aiello's earnest performance ensures that the audience are rooting for him throughout. Aiello's ability to switch from overbearing diva, to jealous lover, to a witty writer, to fearful and vulnerable in seconds, helps create layers to Adam and making him such an intriguing character. Furthermore, the slow shutting down of his body is well portrayed, especially the loss of voice, with Aiello spluttering through his lines. 

However, the show's standout performer is Dominic Sullivan as Darryl. Sullivan stuns the audiences vocally, performing his solo songs to a pin-drop silent room and leaving audiences lost in his raw emotional renditions. Often the voice of reason, emotion and fear, Sullivan grounds the musical, reminding audiences behind all the pop culture references, energetic musical numbers, and impressive one-liners, the situation at hand is dire. His emotional pain paints a shadow over the musical, which makes his commitment to remaining caring and patient so endearing, and opens up a new angle for the show. Sullivan and Aiello are well matched, playing off of one another's energy and approaches, creating a realistic couple with real chemistry that warms the audience's heart. 

The musical's soundtrack is mostly peppy and fast paced throughout, emphasising Adam's own personality with foot tapping numbers and an infectious energy. However, the stand out songs are Darryl's solo songs, which are much more serious and heartfelt, even wrenching tears from certain audience members as the pain of his silence and helplessness is unleashed. With musical direction by Aaron Clingham, the music soars in the musical, truly filling in the smaller moments in the show with grand music and lyric. Philip Joel has the ensemble often joining in with his choreography that never pulls focus, yet fills the stage. The musical feels fully fledged and takes up all of the intimate space, and really brings the audience in. 

The set, designed by David Shields, becomes the show's emotional core, with a simple pier bench and steps and a ramp leading up to it. A large postcard banner of Brighton beaches creates a rather cheerful and animated background, along with the pride flags threaded throughout, clearly placing the show in Brighton's queer scene. The bench, where Adam and Darryl first meant, becomes more and more meaningful with every interaction, and adds weightage to the show as a whole. 

Supersonic Man is a strong musical that will doubtlessly go on to have further life and success with its catchy songs, strong cast, fascinating concept and assurance of a tremendously fun, yet ultimately heartwarming musical.

Supersonic Man is currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough until 3rd May 2025. 

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Louis Burgess