An atmospheric new play that aims to bring all the drama and excitement of the Tour de France to the stage will have its world premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. CADEL: Lungs on Legs was co-written by Edinburgh playwright Steve McMahon and captures the trials and triumphs of Cadel Evans – the only Australian to win the Tour de France.
Co-written and performed by Australian-born, New York-based Connor Delves the gritty drama puts audiences at the heart of the legendary road race to experience the highs and lows of the epic true story. Connor performs this gruelling solo show, pedalling for an hour from the saddle of the same BMC bicycle that Evans rode to victory in the 2011 race. Connor says:
‘CADEL: Lungs on Legs is a gripping ride through the sacrifices, heartaches, and sheer determination it takes to conquer cycling’s ultimate prize. Cycling is in my blood and the play brings together my passion for the sport with my theatrical career.’
In addition, the ‘voice of the Tour de France’, legendary TV presenter Phil Liggett, whose 2011 commentary is a major feature of the play, will attend the opening night in Edinburgh. Cadel Evans is fully supportive of the play and says:
‘I have always been aware of the drama, thrill and often suspense of cycling, especially the Tour de France. Connor’s vision for this show is bold and exciting, I’m thrilled to be involved from the start, and I’m deeply honoured that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life for audiences in Edinburgh.’
Connor, who performed at the Fringe in 2024 in the horror musical, The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis, has been training for the physically demanding role since January. He says:
‘The Edinburgh Fringe, like a road race, is also a marathon of endurance and I’m looking forward to bringing CADEL: Lungs on Legs to Edinburgh for its world premiere.’
The play comes ‘hot on the wheels’ of this year’s Tour de France which takes place in July 2025, and the play will offer Fringe-goers a preview of the thrills and excitement that will come to Edinburgh with the Tour’s official ‘Grand Depart’ which the city will host in 2027.
The play is directed by Mark Barford and co-produced by Piper Theatre Productions, Rachael Jones and Connor Delves, in association with Adam and Vivienne Edwards, Bruce Goldman, George Weinhouse, Ticking Clock Theatre and Ozgur Akdeniz.
CADEL: Lungs on Legs will be performed daily at Underbelly Cowgate, EH1 1JX at 1pm between 31st July -24th August (except 12th August)
