FROM DOWN UNDER TO THE TOP OF THE PODIUM – THE RIVETING TRUE STORY OF THE FIRST AND ONLY AUSTRALIAN TO WIN THE TOUR DE FRANCE, LIVE ON STAGE

Direct from a critically acclaimed, sold-out season at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Connor Delves' epic one-man show, CADEL: Lungs On Legs, makes its triumphant Australian premiere in Perth, 3-8 February 2026.

Presented by Hale School, the play will open the newly launched professional venue, The Cygnet Theatre.

CADEL: Lungs On Legs is an atmospheric and high-octane theatrical experience that chronicles the incredible true story of Cadel Evans, the first and only Australian to win the Tour de France. The show places audiences in the saddle, delivering a visceral account of the sacrifices, heartaches, and sheer determination it takes to conquer cycling's most prestigious prize.

This multi-award-winning production marks a powerful homecoming for creator and performer Connor Delves, an alumnus of Hale School. He returns to Perth with a show born from his deep personal connection to the sport—his parents owned Bike Force South Perth, his mother, Vicki Delves, a recent winner of a WA Sport Award (May Campbell Medal for service to triathlon) and his father even competed in a mountain biking world cup alongside Evans in 1996.

This gruelling solo performance sees Delves on stage for the entire show, pedalling on an actual 2011 yellow BMC “Cadel Evans” SLR01 that Cadel Evans rode to victory in the 2011 Tour de France. His physical performance, combined with vivid storytelling, brings the epic race to life, including live commentary from the legendary "voice of the Tour de France," Phil Liggett.

The production has garnered immense critical praise, with reviewers hailing it as a "real tour de force" and "the best thing I've seen in 24 years of the Edinburgh Fringe." It was awarded “Best Show of the Fringe” by Theatre Weekly (Best of the Fest 2025), was a 5 star “Pick Of The Fringe” and won an EFFTA Award (Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Award).

Cadel Evans himself has given his full support, stating, "Connor's vision for this show is bold and exciting... I'm deeply honoured that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life."

The Australian Premiere in Perth is championed by Danny Parker of Hale School (Connor’s high school director and leader of Redfoot Youth Theatre).

"A performance of vivid, compelling energy... takes the genre to a new level. A tour de force of the Tour de France.” — The Scotsman (★★★★)

"Connor Delves is magnificent and brings Cadel Evans to life in gruelling physical performance – this is a real tour de force." — Theatre Weekly (★★★★★)

"Heart pumping, exhilarating... Race to get a ticket – this is the best thing I’ve seen in 24 years of the Edinburgh Fringe. No kidding!" — My Cultural Life (★★★★★)

“A triumphant performance by the talented actor” - The Recs (★★★★★)

"The perfect synergy between man and machine, actor and subject." — My Cultural Life (★★★★★)

"From the start to the end of this show, you’ll be riveted." — Three Weeks Edinburgh (★★★★★)

"Delves’ excellent acting makes you forget he’s an actor at all." — NDS Review (★★★★★)

CADEL: Lungs On Legs is a new play created by Connor Delves. It is directed by Mark Barford and co-written by Connor Delves and Scottish playwright Steve McMahon. It is presented by Hale School in association with Anant Das, Connor Delves, and Ali Welburn. The show is supported by sponsors BMC Switzerland, Wahoo Fitness, and Prime Train.

Important information:

Foyer doors open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 30 minutes prior to the performance
Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised
This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch via tickets@hale.wa.edu.au
The performance duration is 70 minutes with no interval
The performance is recommended for ages 10 years+

Image credit: Dax Smith

For more information visit www.cadeltheplay.com

CADEL: Lungs on Legs

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