Words: Libby Taylor
3 stars
CADEL: Lungs on Legs follows the career of renowned Australian cyclist, Cadel Evans, through the highs and lows of his career before winning the Tour de France. Walking into the venue, the set builds anticipation; the audience are met with a screen of cycling scenes and a bike-stand centre stage. Connor Delves, playing Cadel (and at times other influences in Cadel’s life), makes the most of this drama and starts the show cycling at speed to create an electric atmosphere. Delves’ endurance and stamina has to be admired, as there are several sprints on the bike during the show. However, the storytelling would have benefitted from similar levels of investment. The character often felt over-the-top, and, even if that was an accurate representation of Cadel, the play would have benefitted from some contrast to what was an emotionally limited role.
The approach to telling Cadel’s story was successful in building up to him achieving his dream, but the lack of vulnerability and exploration of Cadel’s personal motivation made it hard for us to root for him. There was also a complete switch in emotions towards his late trainer, from hatred to admiration, without much explanation, which made his motivations more confusing. The style of the piece was similarly inconsistent, going between stylised and realistic, and would have been stronger sticking to one approach. This contributed to the second performer feeling an awkward presence, as there was a level of realism, made less persuasive by their silence throughout. Great innovation needing some dramaturgical input.
CADEL: Lungs on Legs
Auditorium at Gilded Balloon at the Museum
17:55
6-30 Aug (excluding 12th, 19th, and 26th)