REVIEW | Ride The Musical, UK Tour
Liv Andrusier in Ride the Musical. Photogrpahy by Danny Kaan★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Eliott & Emmie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
A celebration of modern women, Annie Londonderry’s story is one of pure fascination. Between 1894 to 1895, Londonderry was the first woman to cycle the world, after being approached by two businessmen who argued the idea of if it was possible for a singular woman to navigate the globe. When writers Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams started their research into Londonderry, which at this point had been overlooked in history, they were to unearth a story of a flawed woman. Still, one full of charisma and charm, earning money through selling advertisements on her body and lecturing to help her pave the journey across the four continents.
The development stage of Ride The Musical has in this instance becomes quite the journey in itself. From a rapturous reception at VAULT Festival in 2020, winning the Show of The Week Award, before then being presented as a Workshop in 2021 at The Garrick Theatre, the year after opening for a limited run at The Charing Cross Theatre, to now in 2023 having its regional premiere at Curve Leicester. The show presents Liv Andrusier in the title role, reprising her role from the Charing Cross Theatre run, and Katy Ellis as Martha Smith, a new addition to the cast who brings such flare and beautiful harmonies alongside Andrusier.
From a personal view, I have watched the development of the show with such excitement; first catching the workshop at The Garrick in 2021, the evolution of the show has allowed every visit to be one of new experiences; not just in new cast additions or set pieces, but musical underscoring that was spine-chilling and allows parts of the story to progress with such fluidity. It’s a real testimony to Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams, who have clearly worked hard to make every iteration of the show a new experience for new audiences, but also returnees, who can spot the advancement of their production. In this version of Ride, returnees can expect new Costumes from Amy Jane Cook, enhanced Projection Design from Matt Powell that elevates moments between Annie and Fred Rose (‘Miles Away From Boston’ still continues to be a standout number of the show), a powerful, and emotionally charged new lullaby which segways into ‘Stranger’.
The final moments of the show is where Sarah Meadows’ direction has hoisted the progression between Annie and Martha to cement a stronger dynamic between each other, emphasising the finale and advancing ‘Ride The Moment’, the final number of the show, that supports the journey that we've been on with these characters. Meadows’ brings a freshness to musical theatre that makes us want to research further into these extraordinary women, plus when listening to the full cast recording of the show, you can’t help but reflect on Natasha Harrison’s artful Choreography.
Ride collectively shines a light on a woman who challenged the male perspective and goes on this remarkable journey that will keep you engaged from the start. It’s a brilliant story about women, told by the women themselves and this makes for a powerful impact.
A masterpiece in storytelling, make sure you embark on Annie Londonderry’s tale by catching Ride whilst it plays at Leicester Curve until Saturday 15th June, before whisking off to The Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 19th July - 12th August 2023.
