One of the joys of theatre is the discovery of stories that are previously unknown to us. Some may be aware of Gino Bartali, the renowned Italian cyclist who won the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia in the 1930s. But few will know of his remarkable exploits during the Second World War. As a famous cyclist, Bartali was able to move freely and communicate with the resistance movement. He used the frame of his bike to smuggle false ID papers across Italy. As a result, many Jews were saved from persecution under the infamous regime of Benito Mussolini. Bartali was, however, modest about his achievements and played down his role during the war. He once said ‘The good is done, but it is not said’. He was equally dismissive of formal recognition adding ‘certain medals hang on the soul, not on the jacket’.
The story begins in 1935 and Florence is in the grip of the murderous black shirts. Gino Bartali (Josh St. Clair) is showing promise as a cyclist and Mussolini’s regime are quick to claim him as one of their own. He wants to stay out of politics, unlike best friend Mario Carita (Fed Zanni) who joins the Army and rises quickly through the ranks. They soon become rivals for the affections of artist Adriana Bani (Amy Di Bartolomeo); but she is immediately drawn to the gentle spirit of Bartali. As war breaks out Cardinal Dalla Costa (Niall Sheehy) sees how Italy’s champion cyclist can help the persecuted to safety. Bartali is on good terms with Carita, who is now a major and can help him move outside the curfew. He agrees to help knowing the risk to his own safety and accusations of collusion with the fascists.
It’s a powerful and moving story that has taken far too long to reach a mass audience. Gino Bartali is equal to Oskar Schindler in Germany and Raoul Wallenberg in Sweden; all courageous individuals who used their public image as cover to rescue countless Jews during the war. However a musical doesn’t seem to be the best vehicle for the narrative. The songs are pleasant but lack sufficient weight to add real value to the piece. They actually become a distraction and drain the story’s dramatic impact. Having said that the cast perform well and are pitch perfect in their delivery. A good effort that deserves credit for bringing such an important story to life.Review by Brian Penn
Rating: ★★★
Seat: Stalls K9 | Price of Ticket: £48.60
