Musicals based on historical events and people are nothing new. Artistic licence is always given to fill in the gaps of a tale that is not well documented. Adding into the mix a protagonist that is known as somewhat of a confidence trickster, creates another layer. Ride, a new musical by Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams, has a run at the Charing Cross Theatre, writes Christopher Peacock.
The show tells the story of Annie Londonderry, a Latvian Jewish immigrant who in 1894 cycled around the world, supposedly as a wager, to see if a woman could do such a feat. Not only is Annie tasked with actually cycling around the world in 15 months but she also needs to raise $5000 en route.
We see the tale unfold as Annie tries to get a regular column in the New York World newspaper. Floundering in front of 
the newspaper chiefs she turns to telling her story of this epic feat. With the help of Martha, a secretary at the paper, Annie goes on to play out her whole saga and its many challenges. Liv Andrusier gives a thrilling, energetic and charismatic performance as the verbose Annie whilst Yuki Sutton brings balance as the more demure Martha. Both are at ease when playing for laughs and handle the musical numbers with aplomb.
Many theatrical two-handers can tend to drag if energy and momentum in the show dip. Yet, with Amy Jane Cook’s set and costume design there is no threat of that here. The newspaper office set has many moving parts and illusions that open up the performance space. Teamed with Sarah Meadows direction the multiple costume reveals and propwork keep the show moving.
When you first hear of a musical about a circumnavigation of the globe on a bike, you might dread a singalong spin class. It is certainly a relief that Ride doesn’t go that far. Yes there is some static bike work and a bit of pushing around but not over done to the point of exhaustion.
Annie Londonderry was known to embellish the truth. The tale of the former advertisement space seller and her ride gets more interesting the more we learn about her. From lecturing on subjects she was not qualified in to abandoning her family to take on the journey in the first place, she is an unreliable narrator. For me this blocks any emotional connection as I fail to empathise with her. What may be described today as ‘hustle’ was always grifting. That is not to say these characters do not exist in today’s society. There are certainly many unqualified people out there that abandon families in the quest for positions of power and wealth.
Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NL until 17th September. Times: Mon – Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Admission: £20 – £47.50.
Box Office: 08444 930 650 – https://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/ride
Photos: Danny Kaan
