Review: Soapbox, Glasgow Kelvingrove Museum

THE soapbox is a sturdy wooden one, with the old logo of Pears soap on its faded paintwork, and it sits on the floor of the Great Exhibition Gallery like the stoutest possible reminder of the power of British manufacturing in its imperial heyday.

Opened in 1901, and founded on collections built up throughout the 19th century, Kelvingrove is one of Britain’s great monuments to the wealth, energy and intellectual curiosity of the Victorian age, and over the past weekend, the Galleries have been staging a series of events – theatrical, musical, playful – designed to celebrate that great century of discovery.

Which is why, standing on the soapbox on Saturday afternoon, we find writer and performer Eilidh MacAskill, dressed in an immensely handsome green tweed cycling suit, and holding forth about the joys of her plain black safety bike, parked behind her. In a brief 15-minute monologue – part of this year’s Arches Behaviour Festival – she describes the evolution of the bicycle, supports “rational dress” for women and invites us to consider the politics of a machine that played a huge role in freeing women to travel independently. The audience join in vigorously, cheering her advance into two-wheeled freedom.

It’s vivid stuff, presented with vigour and charm by a performer who combines feminist principles with real joie de vivre. And if you want to join in the fun, there’s a second chance next Saturday, when Eilidh leads a Victorian cycle ride from Kelvingrove down to the river. Bring your own bike, and remember to sit up straight!

Rating: ****