Ride tells the incredible story of Annie Londonderry, who was the first woman to cycle around the world in 1895.
Written by Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams, the true-life story (if somewhat embellished by Londonderry herself) begins in a smart New York newspaper office, where Annie, played by Liv Andrusier, is pitching the tale to a room full of journalists and editors, aka the audience, with her mission to get a column in the New York World.
There’s a huge map on the wall and wood panelling across the office, a Victorian oak desk with a green leather top dominates the room.
When secretary Martha, played by Katy Ellis, enters the room with a tray of drinks, Annie talks her into recounting the narrative with her.
Annie’s real name was Kopchovsky, but she changed it to Londonderry under a sponsorship deal that she managed to broker which went some way to financing the trip. She also attached posters and banners to her bike to advertise companies, managing to secure funding throughout the journey. This aspect is incredible in itself, when you consider the year.
From the very start, Liv Andrusier gives a commanding performance, telling Annie’s story – sometimes fact, sometimes fiction, but always portraying the character that Annie had to be in order to live her dream and survive.
Andrusier’s voice is incredible, captivating the audience from the opening number ‘The World’s Greatest Story’, and when you think things couldn’t get any better, the titular number, ‘Ride’ just blows you away.
The whole set is incredible, culminating with the final number, ‘Ride the Moment’, which is equally as stunning.
Katy Ellis, who plays Martha, is also impressive in the role. Her character is reserved at first, so you don’t see what she is capable of, but as the role develops, she just keeps getting better and better.
The storyline to this is extraordinary, with Annie, as an aspiring journalist, realising she would need to add to her story if she was to secure the newspaper column.
We hear of some of those incredulous tales at the start of the journey, but as Annie ventures further, we hear more of her personal story, including the children she has left at home, and her love affair with Fred Rose.
Her relationship with Rose, who she meets on her journey, reveals further layers to Annie’s character and the battles she’s had to endure compared to his class privilege.
When Annie reveals she is married and has left her three children at home, with an insight into her early family life, further layers are peeled away.
The set design by Amy Jane Cook really works well, unveiling more aspects as the story is told, culminating in the whole office opening up to reveal the bicycle scene.
Cook also designed the costumes which depicted Annie’s move from skirts to trousers during the course of her journey, showing Annie was not shy in confronting society ‘norms’ and looking to ultimately create reform.
This story was completely new to me and I, along the rest of the audience, judging by the standing ovation, was really impressed by the performances by Andrusier and Ellis who got us hooked from the start and really captured the imagination.
Ride is at Curve until Saturday 15 July.
Tickets £10 – £26
