First look rehearsal images have been released for Ride the Cyclone as the smash-hit musical prepares to return to Southwark Playhouse Elephant.
The newly unveiled images come as it is confirmed that celebrated British drag queen Divina De Campo will star as The Amazing Karnak in the critically acclaimed production.
The musical returns to the venue following a record-breaking and sold-out UK premiere run in 2025, with performances scheduled from 19 June to 22 August 2026.
Divina De Campo joins the previously announced St Cassian’s Chamber Choir cast, including Josh Butler, Grace Galloway, Robyn Gilbertson, Bartek Kraszewski, Jack Maverick and Kayna Montecillo, with Rebecca D’Lacey and Nathaniel Purnell as swings.
Speaking about joining the show, Divina De Campo said: “I am so excited to be joining this amazing vibrant cast for what is a hilarious and tongue in cheek musical. The songs are catchy as they come and the story is both tragic and side splitting, for the characters maybe literally! I am overjoyed to finally be on the Southwark Playhouse stage after seeing shows there and presenting more than a few awards to them too over the years!”
Written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, Ride the Cyclone became the fastest-selling production in Southwark Playhouse history during its original run, before surpassing its own record when this new season went on sale.
The production is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee, with musical direction by Ben McQuigg and design by Ryan Dawson Laight, alongside a full creative team bringing the darkly comic show to life.
Set after a catastrophic roller-coaster accident, the musical follows six teenagers stuck in limbo who are given one final chance to return to life by telling their stories.
Additional tickets for the upcoming run have now been released, with demand already high following the production’s previous success.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.Â
