Supersonic Man
Words and Music Chris Burgess
Southwark Playhouse (Borough) 9 Apr – 3 May 2025
Set among the LGBTQI+ community of Brighton, Supersonic Man follows Adam, a fun-loving influencer whose life is turned upside down when he is diagnosed with a terminal condition. Facing the loss of his independence and the love of his life, Darryl, Adam refuses to accept his fate.
Determined to find another way to live, Adam and Darryl explore experimental treatments and cutting-edge technology, leading Adam on an extraordinary journey towards becoming a human cyborg. Inspired by the true-life story of robotics expert Peter Scott-Morgan, Supersonic Man is a moving and uplifting musical about love, resilience, courage and the determination to live life on your own terms.
Reviews
“The singing was perfect, the dancing staging and production were spot on – you will laugh, tap your feet and unless you are made of stone will get moist eyes in places”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (TheQueerGB)
“Writer/director Chris Burgess is an absolute genius. His musical comedy writing skills are outstanding and he isn’t afraid to venture into the realm of dark comedy when needed. Supersonic Man is immediate and vital. Timeless and needed.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (West End Best Friend)
“A glorious entertainment laughter, tears and total reality, don’t miss it!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Aline Waites Reviews)
“a musical comedy of defiant hope, that needs to be seen. It’s fun too!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Curtain Call Reviews)
“Deeply moving and truly celebratory, “Supersonic Man” entertains with a heartwarming tale of courage in the face of diversity, with a powerfully honest love story running through it”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (The Spy in the Stalls)
“great cast, good score, and Aaron Clingham on the keyboard means it hits the bull’s eye time and again”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Reviewsgate)
“Evocative musical theatre with legs and, I hope, a future. It has a very powerful but plausible story at its heart. Add into the mix the talents of five richly accomplished, triple threat performers and some decent music and you have something quite impressive.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LondonPubTheatres)
“Supersonic Man is makes a beautiful and confident debut. Chris Burgess has created a story full of heightened feelings – funny, beautiful and sorrowful at times. Never losing sight of hope, even when the circumstances become too dark, ironically the story is about humanity and that shines through in both the acting and the performances. It leaves me excited to see where this life-affirming show can go next.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (All That Dazzles)
“Chris Burgess has put together a fascinating show that addresses many issues in a sympathetic and entertaining way”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LondonTheatre1)
“I can guarantee that if you go and see Supersonic Man yoo will be both entertained and moved in equal measure”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Jack the Lad Magazine)
“Full points for a score, which unlike some recent musicals, has lyrics which are syntactically sensible and melodies which are memorable. Supersonic Man definitely delivers.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (London Living Large)
“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.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Adventures in Theatreland)
“Supersonic Man: a joyous new musical set among Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community. 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.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (G Scene)
“Sullivan delivers excellent vocals”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LouReviews)
“heartfelt and important”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tab in the City)
“Musical Director Aaron Clingham yet again delivers a pitch-perfect performance accompanying a very talented musical cast”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Theatre and Arts Review)
“Gorgeous vocals, beautifully acted, funny, witty, thought-provoking and very moving”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Catherine Francoise)
CAST
Adam: Dylan Aiello
Darryl: Dominic Sullivan
Ben: James Lowrie
Ruth: Jude St James
Shaz: Mali Wen Davies
CREATIVES
Writer and Director: Chris Burgess
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Musical Arrangements: Steven Edis
Choreographer: Philip Joel
Designer: David Shields
Lighting: Richard Lambert
Production Assistant: Angie Lawrence
Graphic Design: Steve Caplin
Production Photography: Peter Davies
Producer: LAMBCO Productions
PR: Kevin Wilson