This Friday, 14th November, Jack Maverick will be performing in the UK premiere of Ride the Cyclone at Southwark Playhouse Elephant as Ricky for his professional musical theatre debut. In Ride the Cyclone (which has a script by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell), Jack will be working alongside a cast including Edward Wu as The Amazing Karnak and Damon Gould as Noel, and the run will continue at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until Saturday 10th January 2026. Jack comes from a family of performers, with his mother appearing in films such as Harry Potter, and his grandfather Jack Purvis in films such as Time Bandits, and he originally was focusing on sports until around the age of 17 when he decided performing was what he’d like to do. Answering our questions, Jack talked to us about playing Ricky in the UK premiere of Ride the Cyclone, making his professional musical theatre debut in the production at Southwark Playhouse Elephant and the inspiration behind becoming a performer.

You are set to play Ricky in the UK premiere of Ride the Cyclone, opening at Southwark Playhouse Elephant on Friday 14th November; how does it feel to be making your professional musical theatre debut with the production and what was it like finding out you’d booked the role?

It’s truly a privilege and an honour to be part of the original UK production of Ride the Cyclone. When I found out I got the role, I was out celebrating my best friend’s birthday, and it was quite the day for sure.

Can you tell us about Ride the Cyclone, and how would you describe Ricky?

Ride the Cyclone follows six kids who find themselves in a choir simply because they needed a place to go. The show beautifully explores themes of connection and cherishing the moments we have, as life is unpredictable.

Ricky is a dreamer who was left mute after a diving board accident. He often escapes the harshness of reality by creating elaborate fantasies in his mind, where he can finally feel seen.

What do you think the story will be like to tell and what do you hope audiences will take from the musical?

I find the story quite magical and heartfelt, and it really carries a truthful message. What I hope the audience takes away is a renewed sense of connection, maybe even a nudge to reach out to someone they’ve been meaning to contact for a while. It’s all about cherishing those real human connections.

How has it been meeting the rest of the cast, which includes Edward Wu as Karnak and Damon Gould as Noel, and how are you preparing for opening night?

The cast has been amazing! We bonded so quickly, and it really makes going to work every day a joy. As for preparing for opening night, I think it’s all about putting in the effort, trusting yourself, and relying on the team around you.

How are you finding the experience working on a UK premiere production and how was it reading Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell’s script for the first time?

It’s been an absolute blessing! Having the chance to work directly with the writers and adapt things in the room with them is just incredible. I honestly feel like I’ve already peaked in my career; it’s a dream come true.

What is Ricky like to play and is there anything you are enjoying most about the character so far?

Ricky is an absolute joy to play. He is this beautiful mix of intelligence and imagination – a dreamer who’s spent most of his life feeling invisible, but in the afterlife he finally gets to be seen. What I love most is how much heart he has; he’s funny, hopeful, and has this spark that feels deeply truthful.

Who do you think Ride the Cyclone will appeal to and why would you recommend booking tickets to see the show in London, which is booking at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until Saturday 10th January 2026?

I think Ride the Cyclone will appeal to a really wide range of people because at some point in everyone’s life, they have felt what these kids have gone through, their insecurities, their hopes, their desire to be seen. It’s incredibly relatable on a human level. I’ve never seen another show quite like it, and that’s what makes it so special. It’s all about human connection, and it’s just beautiful.

Where does your love of performing come from and how did you originally get into it?

My love for performing runs in the family. My granddad, Jack Purvis, was in films like Time Bandits and Star Wars, and my mom was also a performer in movies like Harry Potter and Star Wars. Growing up, I had that influence around me, but I actually tried to take a different path and focused on sports for a long time. It wasn’t until I was about 17 that I found my way back to the stage, realising that performing was where I truly belonged.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so yet?

I’ve always loved the classics like Les Misérables, and I also really enjoy The Book of Mormon. There are a couple of shows I’d love to see, like Hadestown and Hercules.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I love spending time with friends, watching shows, listening to music and podcasts, and catching a good film.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

“Comparison is the thief of joy”.

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