Neil Urquhart and Clark Alexander in Bicycle Boy

Just when you thought there was nothing to do, bike powered eco-musical Bicycle Boy rides back into Oxford for children aged 5-10 and their families from August 27-29.

Created by writer/director Helen Eastman and composer Alex Silverman, Bicycle Boy, the bike- powered eco-musical for families, is back on the road.

‘Bicycle Boy’, hopes to inspire a new generation to get excited about their bicycles and to be thoughtful about where their power comes from.

Writer and director, Helen Eastman said: “After months without live performance, it feels such a privilege to be able to get the show back in front of an audience.”

The show explores themes of community, sustainable living, inter-generational relationships – and is, ultimately, a celebration of cycling: the freedom a bicycle gives you.

This is about creating experiences for children and their families of the highest quality, with loads of fun

As for the storyline, Bicycle Boy features Sam clearing out his family’s old bike shop, he discovers an old treasure hunt left for him by his grandfather. But there’s a problem! There’s no power and Sam needs electricity to unlock the clues.

The audience comes to the rescue providing pedal power on bikes hooked up generators.

Writer and director, Helen Eastman added: We’ve worked really hard to make it safe, socially-distanced and responsible, while keeping all the show’s joy intact. 


“Our team have been brilliant. It was devastating when we had to cancel our four month tour this summer, and being able to get them back to work is wonderful. 

Rehearsal photos for the play ‘Bicycle Boy’, starring Neil Urquhart and Clark Alexander

“Fans of the show will spot some changes (like our new ‘hand washing song – way better than singing ‘Happy Birthday’) but the show is still, 100%, genuinely bike powered.

“And we need the audience to come and pedal (with the bikes disinfected between every user!)

“This show’s very first outing was in Oxford, so it feels very special to be bringing it home.”

Performances will take place at Eynsham Music Room and Wytham Woods.

Rehearsal photos for the play ‘Bicycle Boy’, starring Neil Urquhart and Clark Alexander

Some audience participation has been taken out of the show to keep everyone socially distanced and safe, but audience members will be able to ride the show’s bikes to power the show.

Socially distanced pods of up to six people per pod are available for hire during the show to help power it.

(You can watch a video about the COVID safety measures here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4AbSjqR8jA)

Director Helen Eastman

The current, outdoor-touring version of the show was created in 2018, based on an original site-specific production, commissioned by Oxford Playhouse in 2013.

After successfully touring in 2018 and 2019, 2020’s tour was cancelled when COVID hit. But this week the team will be back in front of an audience with this new, socially-distanced, version.

The touring production of Bicycle Boy was generously commissioned by Brighton Festival, Hatfair and Without Walls.


August 27, The Music Room, Eynsham at 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm. August 28, 29, Wytham Woods at 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm.
£30 for a family pod, for up to six audience members

TICKETS: http://www.bicycleboy.co.uk/tour