BANANAMAN THE MUSICAL is Flying to Southwark Playhouse

Is it a bird, is it a plane, Is it a fruit?

No, it's the first photo of Matthew McKenna as muscle-bound super-hero Bananaman in the world premiere of 'Bananaman the Musical' at Southwark Playhouse!

The a-peel-ing suit was designed by the show's designer Mike Leopold and tailor-made by Robert Allsopp & Associates, the world-renowned prop and costume designers responsible for the 'X-Men' movies, and alien creatures for 'Doctor Who'.

The fabric for Bananaman's distinctive yellow cape is made of Arlcantara, which is used in elite luxury Italian sports cars including Ferrari for their roofs and actually looks like a banana skin!

Glasgwegian actor Matthew says: 'The suit is amazing to wear but I drink 4 litres of water a day as part of my fitness regime - and that is going to be a big problem!"

Bananaman, known for having more muscle than sense, stars in 'Bananaman The Musical' at Southwark Playhouse from 15 December to 20 January.

The show is written and composed by Leon Parris, directed by Mark Perry and is based on the original comic strip which became a TV cartoon in the '80s.

The rest of the cast includes Marc Pickering as Doctor Doom, Jodie Jacobs as Eric's loyal sidekick, Crow, Mark Newnham as Eric, Carl Mullaney is General Blight, TJ Lloyd as Chief O'Reilly, Lizzii Hills as Mrs Wimp, Brian Gilligan as Mad Magician, Emma Ralston as Fiona. Chris McGuigan and Amy Perry make up the ensemble.

Photo Credit: Claire Billyard