Supersonic Man Q&A at Southwark Playhouse

Supersonic Man Q&A at Southwark Playhouse 

“Who knew terminal illness could be such fun?” But fun it is in writer/director Chris Burgess’ world premiere musical Supersonic Man, inspired by the true story of a man who tries to fight a terminal illness with technology.

The real man in question was roboticist Peter Scott-Morgan who, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2017, decided to use his expertise to extend his own life. His radical interventions and research into “AI-assisted disability solutions” were detailed in the 2020 Channel Four documentary Peter: The Human Cyborg and, despite his death in 2022 at the age of 64, continue in his name through the Scott-Morgan Foundation.

Chris Burgess started writing Supersonic Man the day after seeing the documentary. However, rather than a biographical piece, the story quickly shifted to one centred around Brighton-based influencer Adam (Dylan Aiello), who receives his diagnosis at the peak of his heady, hedonistic youth.

With the help of his PR savvy friend Ben (James Lowrie), Adam turns his MND journey into a BAFTA-winning reality TV hit, despite the misgivings of his lover turned carer Darryl (Dominic Sullivan).

Following the evening performance on Saturday 12 April 2025, I was joined for the Supersonic Man post-show discussion by writer/director Chris Burgess, and the three male cast members (left-right) Dylan Aiello, James Lowrie and Dominic Sullivan. (The cast also features Jude St James and, making her impressive professional debut, Mali Wen Davis.)

Amongst the topics covered: the real-life Peter Scott Morgan and the controversy he courted within the MND community, portraying the disease with authenticity and sensitivity (with the help of the MND Association), why the story lends itself to the musical genre, pressures on carers, toxic positivity, varieties of boffin, whether it’s a worthy goal for humans to live for a hundred years or more, and whose AI voice panelists would choose if they had to (shoutout to musical director Aaron Clingham!).

Supersonic Man continues at London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough until 3 May 2025.

Q&A video

With thanks to Pete Jeffares.

Q&A photos

With thanks to Alexandra Guerrero.

On social media

Can anyone cheat death? With a lot of help from AI & other tech?

Signs ready for tonight’s @swkplay.bsky.social Q&A to #SupersonicMan, Chris Burgess’ new musical inspired by a true story about a wannabe human cyborg.

🎟️ Join us 7.30pm: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/… #lgbt #theatre

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— Terri Paddock (@terripaddock.bsky.social) April 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM