New musical ‘The Rhythmics’ to open at Southwark Playhouse

The British musical follows an all-male rhythmic gymnastics troupe.

A new British musical inspired by gymnastics will open at Southwark Playhouse later this year. P Burton-Morgan and Ben Glasstones. The Rhythmics is at Southwark Playhouse from 2 December - 8 Jan. 2022.

The Rhythmics centres around Grey, a middle-aged man who accidentally auditions for an all-male rhythmic gymnastics troupe instead of a rock band. Competing with his new-found team, they make it to the world championships, twirling what press material states are "ribbons of fire."

School of Rock's Noel Sullivan will lead the cast as Grey, with Zweyla Mitchell Dos Santos playing Grey's daughter, Silva, Ken Christiansen as Nick, Kinny Gardner as Sid, Rebecca Hayes as Robin, Andrew Patrick-Walker as Jeremy, Joshua Steel as Connor and Phil Snowden as Dennis.

The Rhythmics is directed by P Burton-Morgan, with choreography by Mark Smith, set and lighting design by Will Reynolds, sound design by James Nicholson and costume design by Francine Huin-Wah.

Speaking about the musical, Burton-Morgan said: "[I'm] so thrilled to finally share the world premiere of this original new British musical with live audiences. I can't think of anything more uplifting to welcome people back into theatres than this heart warming and hilarious tale of community and connection. A tonic for our times; Ben's joyous score is an absolute bop."

A cast album for the show was created last year and was released in July 2020. All performances of The Rhythmics will include British Sign Language-integrated choreography, as well as caption screens.

The Rhythmics is at Southwark Playhouse from 2 December - 8 Jan. 2022. Watch the music video for "Daddy, You're My Hero" below.

^{Photo credit: The Rhythmics (Photo courtesy of The Rhythmics)}

^{Article Updated: 1 November 2021}