Come along for the ride at The Shed

THE Wonthaggi Theatrical Group (WTG) is set to electrify local audiences with its highly anticipated production of the cult hit musical Ride the Cyclone, opening on Friday, September 25, for an exclusive twelve-show season.

Heavy on dark comedy and brimming with eccentric charm, this unique production promises to be the must-see theatrical event of the season, staged in WTG’s wonderfully intimate performance space, ‘The Shed’ at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine.

Originally penned by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, Ride the Cyclone has captivated global audiences by blending macabre humour with deeply emotional storytelling.

The narrative follows six members of a Canadian high school chamber choir who meet a tragic end in a freak rollercoaster accident. Instead of passing on immediately, they find themselves suspended in a bizarre, transitional space between life and death.

Here, they encounter an enigmatic mechanical fortune teller who throws them a lifeline by offering them a final chance to return to the land of the living, but there is a catch, only one of them can go back.

What unfolds is a surreal, hilarious, and often heartbreaking competition. Each teenager is forced to present their case for survival through an eclectic mix of song, memory, and vivid imagination.

From catchy pop anthems to sweeping existential ballads, the musical allows each character to bare their soul, transforming a dark premise into an unexpectedly heartfelt celebration of youth and human connection.

WTG’s upcoming staging brings this surreal world to life with an exceptional cast bursting with professional-grade talent. Because 'The Shed' offers such a close-up, immersive setting, audiences will feel completely embedded in this carnival wasteland.

The magic is stitched together by a deeply committed and creative production team.

Set designer Tad Hendry has dreamed up a visually striking backdrop, complemented perfectly by the technical wizardry of Mark Harrison, Scott Grattan, Trevor Wyhoon, and Raf Pyka.

The characters are brought to life through clever costuming by Mayumi McPhee, while multiple quirky, essential props crafted by Steph Thornborrow and Jasper Slavin add to the show's signature eccentric atmosphere.

Having successfully staged multiple high-calibre shows in their independent theatre space, WTG has built a stellar reputation for delivering unforgettable nights out, earning overwhelmingly glowing feedback from theatregoers of all ages.

Ride the Cyclone is poised to continue that streak, offering a gripping, laugh-out-loud, and moving experience that will leave the community talking for weeks.

Don't miss out on the conversation. The season runs for just twelve performances, and tickets are expected to sell fast. Head over to wtg.org.au to secure your seats and join the community in stepping right up to 'come along for the ride.'