Glory Ride at the Other Palace

Glory Ride, a promising new musical by daughter-father team Victoria Buchholz and Todd Buchholz, explores the seldom told story of Gino Bartali (James Darch), a famous Italian cyclist who, aside from his success in cycling, also helped Jewish children during World War II, at great risk to his own life. It features some standout performances and an ambitious plot, making this a memorable evening of entertainment.

The plot, as one would expect, concentrates on Bartali’s involvement in saving Jewish children with the help of Cardinal Dalla Costa (Ricardo Afonso) and accountant Girorgio Nico (Matt Blaker) – himself a Jew with fake ID. The narrative is generally structured well with a number of high points, especially regarding Bartali’s long-time rival Mario Carita (Neil McDermott) who later becomes a fascist officer, almost taking on Javert-like dimensions. This works especially well in act two, when the various plot threads come together. However, at times the pacing lacks drive, leading to some weaker moments in the first act.

The music itself is largely suitable with a few outstanding songs that are memorable, but it never outstays its welcome and is frequently entertaining. There are elements of inspiration from Les Misérables in there, which doesn’t harm the overall project, considering the epic scope the show tries to tackle. 

Despite being a concert production, Shaun Kerrison makes a number of remarkable decisions, such as strong costume designs by PJ McEvoy that effectively establish the roles they represent; and Keegan Curran’s sound design works some magic to produce the illusion of different places, including an echo in the microphones when the scenes are taking place in a church.

But it is the performances that steal the show. Afonso’s Dalla Costa is outstanding, particularly in his brilliant delivery of 800 Souls, with a bombastic voice that is convincing and sensitive. Darch’s Bartali has some highlights with Glory and On the Road, and he is perfectly believable in his conflict as he gradually awakens to the realisation that he needs to take action and risk his and his family’s life.

As such, Glory Ride delivers a strong first production for a new musical. There are a few things that could be tightened up here and there, but, overall, it’s a solid work that could definitely become excellent further down the road.

Michael Higgs
Photo: Manuel Harlan

Glory Ride is at the Other Palace Theatre from 14^th November until 16^th November 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch a trailer for the production here: