Glory Ride
Glory Ride
Gino Bartali, Tour de France winner and one of the most beloved Italian athletes of all time, had a secret life.
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 of the Second World War cross borders to safety from Mussolini’s fascist regime. His efforts saved hundreds of persecuted Jews and other refugees, many of whom were children.
Bartali was a local hero as well as a national figurehead, renowned in his community for his unwavering commitment to helping others. His story has a powerful message for audiences today about bravery, loyalty and doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.
Directed by Olivier-winner Kelly Devine, GLORY RIDE has been developed through workshops in New York and Los Angeles as well as a series of sold-out staged concerts in London last year at The Other Palace.
Don’t miss this chance to experience this incredible true story combining heist, history, humour, and humanity with a soaring new score by father and daughter team, Victoria and Todd Buchholz ★★★★★ The score… soars impressively as the collective cast unites to deliver some of the production’s best numbers.
- Duration
2 hours including Interval
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For more information on accessibility please click here.
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
Suitable for ages 6 years and older
- Where Do I Go
The Arches, Villiers St, London WC2N 6NG
Reviews
Katy
Jul 27, 2023
Wow I loved it!! I came not really knowing properly what it would be about and didnt expect it to be so moving or that it was a True Story!! Really enjoyed the show and all the cast were great :) Shame its ending in a few days but hope it comes back again somewhere else!!
DipDa
Jul 26, 2023
Had no clue as to the story when we went but was not disappointed - an amazing show & excellent acting
Rachel
Jul 26, 2023
Dialogue and songs were awful. Singing was out of tune. Dance looked like people were still learning the moves. We left at the interval.
Jean-Philippe Llored
Jul 25, 2023
A real discovery : beautiful story, wonderful actors/singers. We were in the very heart of the second World War and we discovered Heroes and untold fates. A must see one! Thanks to Charing cross theatre and the clever choices of plays and shows.
Kaye
Jul 25, 2023
Really enjoyed the show. Great cast and compelling story.
Elia Casotti
Jul 23, 2023
I’m Italian and more precisely from toscany near Florence and I knew Gino Bartali however to know what he did during the War was a surprisingly amazing. What a great story to tell and the cast absolutely amazing again I saw this show twice and I’ll definitely come again however I know it’s finished now but I hope in the future it will be available. Grazie mille per uno spettacolo meraviglioso Grazie a tutti God bless Elia Casotti
Eileen
Jul 22, 2023
Glory Ride is the inspiring story of Italian cyclist Gino Bartali, two times Tour de France winner and hero of the resistance in WW2. The music and songs are excellent and beautifully performed!
Diane Siracusa
Jul 21, 2023
I absolutely loved this show from the music, the set and the actors, who were superb. Will recommend to all my friends. A great mix of powerful message, love and even comic moments.
Jacqueline
Jul 16, 2023
Beautiful singing and great story
Emma
Jul 15, 2023
This isn't made for cycling fans or anyone Italian! The entire cast put on exaggerated and almost comic Italian accents when speaking (but obviously not when singing). It is very off putting and it gives the show a Fawlty Towers tone. The story full of themes of Italian pride and national identity but there is zero mention of Gino's repeated Giro d'Italia wins. Gino's only wins that are held out as ones his friends/family are proud of are his two wins of the Tour de France. Again, this is just totally bizarre given he's more famous for winning the Giro 3 times. He's always in a yellow t-shirt, and is never once in a pink cycling jersey. The language used in the songs to describe his strength and cycling feels forced and a bit weird (I have never heard any cyclist or cycling commentator/pundit refer to axels so much?!). That being said, it was a nice enough evening out for the ticket price.
Prescott
Jun 25, 2023
This was a well sung musical about an inspirational man. The cast gave us a feel on how the WW2 effected children and adults lives all over world. Well worth a watch.
Nicole C.
May 21, 2023
I was very impressed with Glory Ride at Charing Cross Theatre. This true story of Gino Bartali is uplifting, the songs are lovely, and the performers bring tremendous energy and emotion to every scene. I was a bit teary-eyed by the end, and I wasn't the only one!
Jacqui R.
May 2, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect from this new musical about secret hero/cyclist Gino Bartali. I was so pleasantly surprised! This show made me think, laugh, and cry. The songs take the audience on a stunning emotional journey. The characters are complex and compelling. This is the best new musical I've seen in at least 5 years. Yes, it's a developmental production in a small venue. But I can't wait to see this show again when it (hopefully) transfers to the West End. Couldn't recommend more highly!
Alex
Apr 23, 2023
Absorbing and moving storyline with incredible vocal abilities from all performers. Clever and striking use of set. Throughly enjoyed the performance and would recommend to anyone looking for something different.