In a world crammed with acquainted exhibits that pedal out the identical outdated story repeatedly, Ride shines as a beacon of originality, artfully weaving the little-known historical past of Annie Londonderry into essentially the most extraordinary and thrilling musical expertise. Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams have skillfully crafted a charming narrative that transcends time and place, referring to refined feminist themes, the facility of storytelling, and the complicated relationship between actuality and self-perception. But don’t fear; it’s executed in a enjoyable, fascinating, and fabulously implausible method that makes the story much more compelling that it already is.
Under the stainless route of Sarah Meadows, Ride completely rockets by way of the story with the sensational Liv Andrusier within the position of the indomitable Annie Londonderry. Andrusier’s efficiency is highly effective, notes hovering, feelings allowed to come back to the fore (significantly within the tune “Stranger” that has essentially the most unbelievable ending) as she breathes life into this not altogether nice however completely comprehensible survivor, guaranteeing we get to know Annie as a girl with wit, attraction, and willpower. From her multi-octave vocal vary to her magnetic stage presence, Andrusier instructions the viewers’s consideration and takes them on a wide ranging journey by way of Annie’s triumphs and challenges. Even if they won’t all be fairly true…As the story unfolds, we discover ourselves drawn into Annie’s world by way of the framing system of her pitch to a roomful of press males, with the assistance of the equally terrific Katy Ellis, who performs the hapless however endearing secretary, Martha who, it seems, is one thing of a revelation not simply to Annie however to herself as effectively. The duo’s chemistry is electrical, and Ellis’ transformation from a clumsy onlooker to an empowered younger lady is sort of one thing to behold. She undoubtedly holds her personal on stage (she performs a mess of roles by way of Annie’s story; Celine, the French customs official, is the comedic spotlight of all the present, and Fred Rose, a possible love curiosity, is superbly drawn, however there are many others too), and when she and Andrusier sing collectively, one thing magic occurs – I’m undecided I breathed for fairly some time in direction of the top of “Miles Away from Boston”.
The music itself (orchestrated by Macy Schmidt) is fashionable and energetic, and it sticks with you, significantly the title tune itself which comes early on within the present however makes a number of reappearances all through in several guises – when it turns up, it’s like listening to from an outdated buddy who you’re at all times happy to get in contact with. It’s been in my mind since seeing the present, and I’m not unhappy about that.The set can be worthy of point out. Set designer Amy Jane Cook begins us off in a newspaper workplace, however with a number of methods and adjustments – together with a quite fabulous second when practice carriages come out of the wall – we’re all of the sudden with Annie on her journey the world over. The set is enjoyable and trendy and consistently shocking the viewers, which isn’t a simple factor to do.
Ride has many extra miles left in it, and it’s going to succeed in the end line with plenty of new followers lining the best way.
Review by Lisamarie Lamb
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: H16 | Price of Ticket: £28