Supersonic Man ★★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Apr 9 - May 3, 2025


Based on the true story of Peter Scott-Morgan, who with his partner, Francis, became the first gay couple to be married in England, Supersonic Man tells the story of Adam who, like Scott-Morgan, decides to fight his motor neurone disease through robotics and radical surgery. It is an inspiring tribute to someone who boldly faced life and its challenges on his own terms, and it is an interesting insight into the media mechanics that can make such a decision possible. Like the protagonist of this musical, Scott-Morgan harnessed the power of the media through the creation of a television documentary which chronicled his medical journey. The show's smart mocking of the manipulative cynicism that lies just behind our culture of celebrity, plus the resilient wit and self-deprecating humour of Adam himself largely save this piece from falling into becoming simply an exercise in suffocating sentimentality. While the show succeeds in portraying the real pain and mood swings of the sufferer of this dreadful disease, and the overwhelming responsibility faced by the caregiver, it maintains a nice balance in its presentation of the situation. Indeed, the creation of the character of Ruth who questions Adam's decisions and the introduction of the negative public voices ensures an equilibrium that saves the piece from bathos and simply being a hagiography. It is unfortunate that unlike the real Scott-Morgan, who had a deep knowledge of robotics, Adam is presented as part of the media world that is mocked. That vocational attribution can feed into the narrative that his treatment decisions are simply whimsical and self-aggrandising. All of the cast do a fine job. Dylan Aiello as the wise-cracking, but determined, Adam, is totally convincing, while Dominic Sullivan as his compassionate partner, Darryl, is totally engaging. Sullivan's ballads are definitely a musical highpoint of the show. Mali Wen Davies is wonderfully over-the-top as both best friend, Shaz, and the obtuse television producer, while Jude St. James nicely underplays her role as the skeptic Ruth. James Lowrie's lively portrayal of Ben definitely contributes to the fun, but his articulation at many points is not as sharp as it needs to be. Full points also for a score, which unlike some recent musicals, has lyrics which are syntactically sensible and melodies which are memorable. All in all writer/director, Chris Burgess nicely manages both his tasks, and Supersonic Man definitely delivers.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Louis Burgess

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD, UK

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