Supersonic Man
Motoneuron Disease (MND) isn’t the most likely subject for a musical comedy, but Chris Burgess, writer of Supersonic Man proves that, so often, comedy stems from tragedy. Based on the true story of Peter Scott Morgan, diagnosed with MND at a very early age, with all his hopes and dreams ahead of him, Burgess pens a musical full of humour, heart, determination, pathos, and hope.
The small cast of five provide us with all the entertainment one would want from an evening in the theatre. In this small venue, we are able to appreciate the close harmonies and the intimacy of a very personal story that was made into a TV documentary. This is the perfect setting, giving us the feeling that we are in our own living room, watching Peter’s story unfold.
Peter – an effervescent, determined (and for determined, read ‘stubborn’!) character is brought to life in the fictional character of Adam, played by Dylan Aiello. Aiello ably draws us into Adam’s determined/stubborn/hope-filled world to the point where we can’t help but hope with him, even though we know how the story ends. It’s like watching Titanic and hoping that the boat doesn’t sink.
Ailello’s love interest, Darryl is played by Dominic Sullivan. His vocal range is remarkable. He plays Adam’s partner with the emotional range that this part demands – he needs to be hopeful, but realistic; strong but vulnerable; upbeat but grief-stricken. The other three supporting actors, playing a range of characters between them (friends, medics, tv crew) adding great texture, harmony and diversity. Most notable is Mali Wen Davies, making her professional debut, who brings Adam’s friend Shaz to life (among other characters). She is compelling in every scene she is in. The slightest facial expression, or intonation of voice provides many moments of comic relief in a story that is only heading towards heartache and bereavement. We predict a great Musical Theatre future for her. Whatever she’s in we are booking to go!
This is definitely a journey of emotion for us an audience as we follow Adam’s determination to beat a disease that is still – to this day – unbeatable. It’s the theatrical cliché (in a positive way!) of laughing out loud one moment while being brought to tears in the next.
The new music helps to move the story along, even if some of the lyrics are perhaps on the twee side. The set is simple but effective, and the lighting in the small venue is used to good effect. Given the intimate setting, we should be able to hear every lyric in every song, but unfortunately this isn’t the case. We’re left wondering if there is, perhaps, too much packed into the tight timeframe of the story, but then, also wondering what could be left out to tell Adam’s/Peter’s story with a sense of authenticity needed for such a real experience.
With other real-life MND stories such as that of Rob Burrow, Doody Weir – and of course, Stephen Hawking in the front of our minds, this is a timely piece of theatre. It’s a musical comedy of defiant hope, that needs to be seen. It’s fun too!
This show was reviewed on the 11th April 2025 at the Southwark Playhouse Borough, London where it runs until the 3rd May 2025. Tickets available here: Supersonic Man | Southwark Playhouse Borough
Review written by Ian Worsfold and Paul Wood
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Photo credit: Louis Burgess
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