Sometimes I am a little stuck in my ways and don’t always step out of my comfort zone when it comes to watching musicals that I don’t really know. I may not always be first in line to book tickets for a new show but when the opportunity arose for me to go at watch Ride – A new Musical by Freya Catrin Smith and Jack Williams at Curve Theatre , Leicester I jumped at the opportunity and, boy, am I glad I did. The performance I watched was a captioned performance.

Not knowing what to expect I took my seat in the second row with my daughter and we took in the atmosphere of the set and from the get-go – the very first blackout – we were hit with surprise after surprise until the very end.

The vocal talents of Liv Andrusier are astounding – powerful and strong – perfectly portraying the ‘over-confident’ Annie Londonderry. She strutted around the beautiful office set as she began her interview with a group of unseen gentlemen of the New York World newspaper in the audience – almost (but not quite) like breaking the fourth wall. Annie is super-sure of herself – almost arrogant – and this is highlighted by the nervous entrance of Katy Ellis’ Martha and the way that Annie almost belittles Martha at various points throughout the show.

As the story develops though there is a chemistry that grows between the two characters. Martha becoming more and more confident but without losing the empathy of the timid character she started out as and her kindness toward Annie, despite some pretty mean dismissals, kindles their friendship.

Not only is the chemistry between the two characters a joy to watch their vocals are a joy to listen to; voices that compliment each other beautifully with some wonderful harmonies as they take us on an epic journey around the world and into the fears and hidden background of Annie.

The story is one of empowerment, ladies taking a stand in a time and world that is dominated by men. How dare women show their ankles let alone ride a cycle?! How dare they even think they can leave the world of looking after a home or being demure? How dare they be so presumptuous? These two characters guide us through that journey in a way that is at some times humorous, at others heartbreaking and they take us completely on Annie’s journey around the world, through her highs and her lows and we are with them all the way.

I just want to take a moment here to compliment the beautiful set and costumes created by Amy Jane Cook. The set is clever with so many little surprises as the office becomes different parts of the world. I won’t say too much here as I don’t want to spoil those surprises but one of my favourites was the train.

I would also love a translation of the haunting lullaby that Annie sings – it was beautifully raw – not merely tugging at the audience’s heart strings but wrenching us into that haunting moment with Annie.

My only criticism is that, occasionally, Annie’s accent was a little too thick meaning I had to check with the captions screen to get myself back on track in the conversation (hence 4 not 5 stars) but this didn’t detract from a fabulous performance from a pair of amazingly talented ladies.

Ride – A New Musical – from someone who isn’t keen on going to see new stuff – I wholeheartedly recommend going to see it.