11 August 2025
Cards on the table. Most of you know that I am a mad cyclist; I own a top of the range racing bike as well as a commuter runaround and ride anything from 35km to 85km a day commuting around London and in long three-hour runs lapping Richmond Park before starting work in the morning. So this show was always going to appeal to me. But I wasn’t prepared for the 60-minute pure adrenaline ride that it actually delivers.
From the moment Connor Delves stepped out onto the stage in his vivid red racing lycra and clipped his shoe cleats into the pedals we were off… the energy and excitement he produced while pedalling and narrating the story was as off-the-scale. My own legs started twitching, my heart pumping faster then was racing and I swear I actually started levitating off my seat. I can’t recollect any other theatre show having such a physical effect on me. And looking around the room I wasn’t alone. Two hours later I was still experiencing a physical buzz.
Cadel: Lungs on Legs is the perfect synergy between man and machine, actor and subject. But it’s not just for cycling nuts like me – anyone who appreciates a great story, passionately told with plenty of heart – and great lung capacity! – should add it immediately to their must-see list.
Obviously a passion project, I watched online in awe as star, co-writer and co-producer Connor embarked on an epic personal journey to Edinburgh – pounding the streets of Manhattan on his training bike and putting in hours and hours at the gym. Such dedication… but it has paid off 100% in 60-minutes of adrenalin-fuelled theatre at its very best.
Cadel: Lungs on Legs puts the audience at the very heart of the gruelling Tour de France – with a great mix of actual race footage on screen – to experience the highs and lows of the epic true story of Cadel Evans, the first Australian to win the coveted yellow jersey. His life was a genuine rollercoaster with great highs and personal lows. And peppered with several thrilling Tour de France attempts where literally seconds separate the front runners, and a puncture with replacement bike stuck in traffic can mean the difference between elation and crushing heartbreak.
Sport on stage is difficult to convey well – Chariots of Fire succeeded with running – but here Connor really delivers the thrill of being in the saddle as he rides Cadel’s original BMC bike, pivoted into a base unit so he can power through the pedals and really builds up a mighty sweat. This show is a full on cardio workout.
Great direction too from Mark Barford, who has a stagehand bringing new lycra and helmets (and much needed water bottles) to Connor as Cadel switches races and teams, all seamlessly choreographed.
Confession time: this is the first time ever in the theatre where I’ve seriously lusted after the clothing, helmet and bike that an actor is wearing and riding!
Heart pumping, exhilarating Cadel: Lungs on Legs is the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever awarded.
Race to get a ticket – this is the best thing I’ve seen in 24 years of the Edinburgh Fringe. No kidding! And expect it to blaze a trail into London soon.
