default page
A timeless musical celebration of the bicycle, Evalyn Parry’s SPIN is an innovative production that has toured the continent for over a decade. Inspired in part by the incredible true story of Annie Londonderry, the first woman to ride around the world on a bicycle in 1895, SPIN travels from nineteenth century women’s emancipation to the present day, forging unexpected links across time and history.
A vintage bicycle, hooked up to simple electronics and suspended in a mechanic’s stand, becomes a percussion instrument: played from fenders to spokes to sprung vinyl seat, from whirling pedals to bells, percussionist Brad Hart creates a captivating sonic accompaniment to Parry’s evocative songs and stories.
Whimsical, moving, illuminating, celebratory, inventive: SPIN is a show for anyone who loves to ride a bike, or anyone who has ever yearned for personal or collective liberation. This unique show has delighted audiences of all ages across the continent. And if you don’t already ride a bike, be warned: you may leave the show wanting to give it a try.
“Part theatre, part music gig, part spoken word poetry, part documentary: whatever it is, it is brilliant” Toronto Star
“…a welcome breath of fresh air….SPIN makes something beautiful out of taking your life into your own hands” Globe & Mail
“Annie Londonderry’s story becomes a portal into Parry’s own life and heart and that is what gives the show such resonance.” Calgary Sun
“…this magnetic artist and her winning production team invest the work with such intelligence and playfulness, it’s hard not to be charmed. NOW Magazine
“a show with as much heart as it possesses design and brains.” Calgary Herald
Written and performed by Evalyn Parry
Featuring Brad Hart playing the Bicycle
Directed by Ruth Madoc-Jones
Production design by Beth Kates
The show premiered in Toronto’s Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (a co-production with OutSpoke Productions) in 2011 and has since enjoyed more than 300 performances across North America, with tour dates from the Lincoln Center in New York City, to the Northern Arts and Culture Centre in Yellowknife, and many, many stops in between.
Currently, SPIN is being adapted for a film with support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Now program.