Get Your Ticket to RIDE!
RIDE! - a musical with a difference written by Romany rapper Big Deli premieres soon in Bradford. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Fusing dance, rap, theatre, and video, RIDE! is a powerful story of a Gypsy family living on the outskirts of Bradford. Its world premiere is taking place at TFD Centre in Holmewood, BD4 on Friday 19 September at 7.30pm.
Tickets for this vital and compelling production are on sale now and can be purchased by following this link
The story arc for RIDE! centres on the lead character, a young Gypsy boy, Jimmy, who spent his early years living off a plot of land with his family. His father, a proud scrap metal collector, teaches him the value of hard work and the importance of finding beauty in the everyday things that others discarded. His grandmother, ‘Big Mammy’, lovingly passes down sacred rituals and cherished traditions, keeping her community’s heritage alive through generations.
“Us Romany Gypsies can sometimes get a bad rep, but RIDE! is a chance to challenge that and share some of the stigma we face," says Romany rapper and writer Big Deli.
"Being part of this project means showing people the truth about our culture and breaking down barriers through music and storytelling," he adds.
"RIDE! isn’t just about putting on a show, it’s about connecting communities, changing minds and making space for our voices.”
But with a lack of authorised sites, tightening planning regulations, and growing pressure from legislation that criminalises roadside stopping, families like Jimmy’s face mounting barriers to maintaining their way of life. These systemic challenges are compounded by widespread social stigma and institutional racism, further restricting their freedom and sense of belonging. These pressures eventually force Jimmy’s family into settled housing on a council estate on the outskirts of Bradford, far from the open landscapes and freedom they’ve always known.
The show follows their journey as they navigate this dramatic change, adapting to estate life with all its challenges and small victories, whilst holding onto their culture and redefining home.
Written by Romany Gypsy rapper, Big Deli (Will), and composer Jamie Roberts, RIDE! features local rappers, a cast of professional dancers, and an integrated inter-generational cast of students from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance and community members. Commissioned as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, RIDE! is a collaboration between Spin Arts, Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) and their members.
It is directed and choreographed by Robby Graham of Southpaw Company, dramaturgy from Tess Seddon, and community engagement facilitated by United Art Project. The performance is set against a large-projection backdrop in an impressive set design by Zac Doughty, made by United Art Project and members of the local communities.
RIDE! tells a compelling story that dismantles prejudices against Gypsy, Traveller and white-British working-class communities by celebrating their community spirit and rich cultural heritage.
At its heart RIDE! is a story of resilience, hope, and the importance of empathy and cultural appreciation.
Gypsy and Traveller communities and residents from Holmewood can contribute to the creation of this epic performance by taking part in a series of fun, free, family-friendly workshops scheduled to take place over the summer. More details can be found here.
"RIDE! is an incredible chance for Gypsy and Traveller communities to be seen and celebrated," said Kathleenann Boswell, Bradford Team Leader, Leeds GATE.
"Being part of Bradford 2025 - UK City of Culture, means so much. It places our culture on a platform that we’ve too often been left out of. For our community, this project isn’t just about art, it’s about recognition and inclusion. It’s a moment of pride for everyone involved."
Sarah Shead, Spin Arts, comments:
“We've set out to create a bold, high-quality show that’s both artistically ambitious and rooted in community collaboration. Teaming up Big Deli’s storytelling with Southpaw Company’s dynamic choreography and Spin Arts’ socially engaged, community-led approach has allowed us to create something truly unique. A large-scale, high-impact show that honours Gypsy and Traveller experiences with authenticity, energy, and pride.
“Presenting RIDE! in Holmewood is a deliberate and powerful choice. It’s about meeting people where they are, transforming a community space, and showing that world-class performance doesn’t belong only on traditional stages. It belongs everywhere.”
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director, Bradford 2025 says:
“We can’t wait to see this project come to life over the coming months, celebrating the rich heritage and culture of Gypsy and Traveller communities in the district and sharing their stories, voices and talent in RIDE! It’s being put together by an incredible group of collaborators and local people, and the performances are going to be a truly special moment in the Bradford 2025 calendar.”
Commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Supported by Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grants, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, the UK Government, Give Bradford, Pears Foundation, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Producing Hub, and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
Spin Arts and Leeds GATE press release/TT News
(Photographs (c) Joe Armitage Boneshaker Photography)