(John) Wesley rides again (in a concert).

The musical, Ride! Ride!, by Alan Thornhill and Penelope Thwaites, brought John Wesley, one of England's great religious and social reformers, to the stage. When it ran in London's West End in 1976, The Guardian's critic called it `one of the most astonishing theatrical events we are likely to see this year'.

With racy dialogue and exciting music, the musical showed Wesley's impact on the highly colourful and also corrupt society of 18th century England, and his challenge to the established church of the day. It told the dramatic story of Martha Thompson, who was incarcerated in the dreaded Bedlam lunatic asylum after her conversion.

Wesley rode over 250,000 miles on horseback as he took a gospel of hope to the hitherto neglected masses. Historians reckon this was one reason why Britain escaped a bloody revolution, such as that which engulfed contemporary France.

Penelope Thwaites has produced a concert version of the musical which has had several successful performances, most recently at Lambeth Palace, the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. With his encouragement, a new CD of all the music has been recorded and will be released this month on the Somm Recordings label.

The CD has 25 tracks, including six songs not heard in the London production. It features Keith Michell as Wesley and Della Jones and Stephen Varcoe in other leading roles. A strong team of soloists and a vibrant chorus and instrumental ensemble complete the line-up, under the musical direction of the composer.