News: Brand new British musical The Rhythmics to premiere at Southwark Playhouse

A brand new, life-affirming British musical is set to premiere at Southwark Playhouse. Aria Entertainment and Metta Theatre, two of the leading companies dedicated to new musical theatre, present The Rhythmics.

The production will play at Southwark Playhouse from 2 December 2021 to 8 January 2022.

The Rhythmics features a book and lyrics by Metta’s artistic director P Burton-Morgan, and music and lyrics from Ben Glasstone (Reanimator). The musical sets out to explore the crisis of masculinity via a collection of oddballs belting their way through a thrillingly catchy guitar-led score.

Hapless single-dad Grey is in a rut. Teenage daughter Silva packs him off to revive his rockstar dreams, successfully auditioning for Nick & the Rhythmics only to realise he’s actually signed up for an all-male rhythmic gymnastics troupe.

Against the odds, these burly blokes make it as far as the World Championships – twirling their “ribbons of fire” – and along the way Grey finally learns to commit to life. Calendar Girls meets The Full Monty in this joyous new British musical.

This new musical is directed by P Burton-Morgan, with choreography by Mark Smith, musical direction from Erika Gundesen, musical supervision from Ellie Vekerk, sound design by James Nicholson, costume design by Francine Huin-Wah, casting by Jane Deitch and set and lighting design by Will Reynolds.

The full production will feature BSL integrated choreography from Deaf men Dancing’s Mark Smith, as well as captions throughout all performances, to make the show accessible for D/deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

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