22 April 2023 - 29 July 2023
The incredible true story of Italian cycling legend Gino Bartali, who secretly rode thousands of miles to save hundreds of children from Mussolini’s fascists – and never told a soul.
Major new musical Glory Ride premieres at Charing Cross Theatre in London.
Glory Ride transports audiences to the golden hills of Tuscany during the darkest days of the Second World War, with a story combining heist, history, humour, and humanity and a soaring new score.
Written by Victoria Buchholz and Todd Buchholz, the production is directed by Kelly Devine – the Olivier Award-winning choreographer on West End hit Come From Away.
Glory Ride is running at the Charing Cross Theatre from 22 April to 29 July 2023.
What's the story of Glory Ride?
Gino Bartali, one of the most beloved of Italian athletes of all time, had a secret life. A Tour de France winner, in the 1940s he was considered the second most famous man in Italy – after Mussolini. His cycling achievements on the Alps and Pyrenees were legendary, but until recently, few knew that he risked his life by saving hundreds of people from fascism during World War II.
With his cycling career as a cover, Bartali cycled thousands of miles between cities across Italy. Hidden in the frame of his bike were falsified identity cards and other secret documents to help victims cross borders to safety. His bravery rescued hundreds of persecuted Jews and other refugees, many of whom were children. In 2013, Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, recognised Gino Bartali with the honour of Righteous Among the Nations.
Bartali was a local hero as well as a national figurehead, renowned in his community for his indefatigable commitment to helping others. His story has a powerful message about bravery, loyalty and doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.
Who is in the cast of Glory Ride?
The World Premiere production will feature Josh St. Clair (Frozen, City of Angels, Wicked) in the lead as Gino Bartali alongside Amy Di Bartolomeo (Six, Bat Out of Hell), Fed Zanni (Mamma Mia! The Party, Head Over Heels), Daniel Robinson (Heathers the Musical, My Night with Reg), Ruairidh McDonald, Ryan Bennett (Heathers the Musical), Peter Watts (Macbeth, UK Tour), Jamie Coyne, Loris Scarpa (Once in Concert), Susanna Paisio (Una Mendicante Cieca Cantava l’Amore, Teatro dei Sensibili, Milan), Steve Watts (As You Like It) and Alice Spigariol.
Who are the creative team of Glory Ride?
Director Kelly Devine
Associate Director Richard J Hines
Musical Director Dave Rose
Set, Costume & Video Designer PJ McEvoy
Casting Director Harry Blumenau, CDG
General Management Smart Entertainment
Italian Cultural Adviser Federico Bellone
Producers Glory Ride 2023 Ltd
Show Information
Matinees: Thursday, Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Important Notes
Content:
This show contains themes of peril and war.
Ticket Offers
Save up to £18 | Tickets from £15.50Valid for all performances 22 April - 6 May 2023. Book by 4 Apr 2023
Venue Information
Charing Cross Theatre, The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NLNearest Tube or Train: Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line)
Nearest Buses: (Strand) 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139, 176
Ticket Information
Official London Theatre tickets for Glory Ride at the Charing Cross Theatre, London
Book tickets to Glory Ride at the Charing Cross Theatre with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
Glory Ride booking calendar and seating plan→
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