Josh Butler is stepping aboard the ill-fated rollercoaster in Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, as the smash-hit musical returns following its sold-out run at the venue last year. With the production already building a passionate following, Josh joins the company as Noel, bringing both a fresh perspective and a deep appreciation for a show that has captured the imagination of audiences.
“I’m originally from South Wales,” Josh begins, reflecting on the path that led them into the industry. “When I was really young, I tried every hobby under the sun. Then one day my sister was doing ballet, and I was outside taking the mick until the teacher asked if I wanted to have a go.” Despite an uncertain start, the experience stuck. “After that, I joined an amateur theatre group back home in Wales, then came to London at 16 to go to the BRIT School, and from there I’ve been following the dream.”
Joining a returning show with an established company has been both thrilling and challenging. “It was exciting, but also daunting to join a ready-made community,” Josh admits. “For theatre to really work, you have to create a friendship and a kinship, and you become a family. That’s what makes it such a unique industry.” They add that while stepping into an existing cast comes with pressure, it also brings immediate connection. “Everyone is so lovely that you jump past the awkward introductions and you’re instantly supported. It’s actually really nice in its own way.”
Describing the show itself, Josh doesn’t hesitate. “The first word that comes to mind is unique,” they say. “It’s deeply heartfelt and weirdly dark and funny at the same time. For something so insane at points, it has so much heart, and there’s a message at the end that everyone can relate to.” That balance, they suggest, is key to its appeal. “It branches into so many different genres, but it still feels very relatable.”
Josh was already familiar with the musical long before this new run. “When I was younger, it was one of those shows I watched clips of online,” they reveal. “It feels like a hidden secret, where it has this cult following but you can still meet people in the industry who haven’t heard of it.” That discovery adds to its charm. “It feels like your own little gem, and seeing it in an intimate venue like Southwark Playhouse makes it feel even more special.”
In stepping into the role of Noel, Josh has discovered a character with surprising depth. “Noel is such a deeper character than what can appear on the surface,” they explain. “There’s so much yearning in him for a world he can’t quite reach. He’s dramatic, but also has so much heart and authenticity.” For Josh, playing Noel also carries personal resonance. “As a queer actor playing a queer role, it’s always been important to tell those stories, and this feels really special.”
That emotional complexity has revealed itself further throughout rehearsals. “There’s so much bubbling beneath the surface,” Josh says. “It’s easy to read the lines and decide how they should be said, but there’s so much more nuance because of everything going on underneath.” They highlight how much of the storytelling happens beyond dialogue. “So much in this show is unspoken. In an ensemble like this, Noel develops through watching the others, even when he’s not the focus.”
One of the standout moments for Noel is their solo number. “‘Noel’s Lament’ is fascinating,” Josh shares. “On the surface, it’s funny, but the fact it’s called a lament shows there’s something deeper. It’s about longing for a life where he can just feel something.” Bringing that to life has also demanded physical endurance. “One of the biggest challenges has been the stamina this show requires,” they say. “It might seem simple, but when you’re doing it, you realise how much energy it takes. It’s pushed me into a completely new space as a performer.”
Beyond their own role, Josh has been inspired by fellow cast members, including Divina De Campo as Karnak, who joins the company for this return season. “It’s just pure laughter working with Divina,” they say. “She’s so bold and brave, never second guesses her choices, and if something doesn’t land, she laughs it off and tries something new. I’ve definitely taken a lot from watching her rehearse.”
As the production prepares to welcome audiences once more, Josh is clear about what makes Ride the Cyclone so special as it rides again in London. “Come join us for something silly, something funny, something imaginative,” they urge. “But also come and see something that has so much heart. You’ll leave slightly different, I think.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here
