Atmospheric new play charts the trials and triumphs of Cadel Evans – the only Australian to win the Tour de France
All the grit, gears and glory of the most challenging road race on earth rides into Edinburgh for Fringe 2025. CADEL: Lungs On Legs, is a new play co-written and performed by Australian-born, New York-based Connor Delves that puts audiences at the heart of the Tour de France to experience the highs and lows of the epic true story of Cadel Evans.
Connor, who co-wrote the play with Edinburgh playwright Steve McMahon, performs this grueling solo show, from the saddle of the same BMC bicycle that Evans rode to victory in the 2011 race. Delves says: ‘The play brings together my passion for cycling with my theatrical career. It’s a gripping ride through the sacrifices, heartaches, and sheer determination it takes to conquer cycling’s ultimate prize. The Fringe is also a marathon of endurance and I’m looking forward to bringing CADEL: Lungs on Legs to Edinburgh for its world premiere.’
And ‘voice of the Tour de France’, sports presenter Phil Liggett, whose commentary is a major feature of the play will be there in person on the opening night to give the show a good send off.
Cadel Evans who is fully supportive of the show said: ‘I have always been aware of the drama, thrill and often suspense of cycling, especially the Tour de France, really is. Connor’s vision for this show is bold and exciting, and I’m thrilled to be involved from the start, and I’m deeply honored that an Australian artist has been inspired to bring my story to life for audiences worldwide.’
Connor, who performed at the Fringe in 2024 in The Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis, has been training with sponsors Wahoo Fitness, Prime Train and Eternal for the physically demanding role since January. The play comes hot on the wheels of this year’s Tour de France which takes place in July 2025 and also offers a preview of the thrills and excitement that will come to Edinburgh with the official Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ taking place in the city in 2027. The play is directed by Mark Barford and co-produced by Piper Theatre Productions and Rachael Jones.
Tickets: £10-14.50 concessions available
Box Office: tickets edfringe.com/cadel
Suitable for all ages
Summery with friendships and thought-provoking aspects with warm escapism is within the newest book by Sarah Morgan. Many people have at least one friend from childhood, but you just never know what’s around the corner… Check out more in the blurb and my review below, thanks to HQ.
Blurb
A lifelong friendship
Childhood friends Milly and Nicole had always been more like sisters so Milly never understood why Nicole dropped out of contact all those months ago. Milly buried that hurt and moved on with her life.
A call for help
Now, suddenly, Nicole is begging for Milly’s help. She needs somewhere private to hide, and the only safe place she can think of is Milly’s holiday home business in the Lake District. Milly knows she should tell Nicole no, but she can’t ignore the desperation in her old friend’s voice so, despite her misgivings, she agrees to let Nicole stay.
A summer to reconnect
Over a summer of tentative conversations, the two women begin to reconnect, and there’s a potential new romance for Milly too. But then the biggest bombshell of all lands and their delicate friendship is put to the test once more …
Can the friends come together in this time of need, or will this summer break their bond forever?
Review
Friendships, however long you’ve known someone can have a certain amount of fragility and this is explored beautifully in this book. There’s a fascinating note from the author at the before the story really begins. It not only sets the scene, it’s poignant and truly thought-provoking in aspects that aren’t often explored in such a way this book does.
Milly and Nicole were friends since childhood and then suddenly this was dismantled quite disarmingly by Nicole. Milly’s life sounds quite tough at times with other emotional stresses on-top of this, that makes her a bit self-reflective. She also became a mother, with a business to run in the Lakes. Nicole’s life moved in a very different direction to follow her desires to act.
You get to learn more about what the friendship was like, what it became as you read further along. You can tangibly feel the hurt that is later caused and the desperation of need of help when their lives connect again. Some relationships with the sub-characters of multi-generations can be intense and others are heart-warming and well-meaning.
Friendships really come under the microscope and with well-written characters and plotting, A Secret Escape truly is an intently fascinating book to read.
There are twists and turns as reconnections are made, but you don’t always quite know what direction lives will go in the end. Secrets are revealed and truths come to the surface as the past and present is confronted, all in a lovely setting.
Can new beginnings happen in a positive way? What will become of the tentative re-budding of a friendship?
A Secret Escape truly is a hbeart-warming summer read you can escape into the lives of others as the sun beats down and whisks away the cares of the day.
At the back of the book is a small bit of Sarah Morgan’s next book, All Together for Christmas. We meet Becky at an airport that sounds like it’s in the sort of chaos we see in the news, or have experienced with delays, cancellations, noise. Just where will she end up? Newcastle, Edinburgh or somewhere else? There is also an all important family announcement to be made… It sounds a good read with the complexities of travelling at Christmas and relationships. It publishes October 2025.
Intersections! Lines cross in life, perhaps they were meant to and perhaps not in this emotionally raw rollercoaster of a very different style of thriller from debut novelist and acclaimed Chicago reporter Karen Uhlmann. Thanks to Books Forward for a copy to review.
Blurb
Style-guru Charlotte Oakes sells beautiful lifestyles, but her mentally ill daughter is an addict, her long marriage is dead, and she is pregnant with her ex-lover’s baby. Stunned after witnessing a hit-and-run in Chicago that leaves a child dead, Charlotte thinks she sees her Prius fleeing the scene. Her troubled daughter, Libby, is the only one who could have been driving.
His partner and best friend killed in a drug bust, police officer Ed Kelly learns that forensics has found that the fatal bullet came from Ed’s gun. Under internal investigation, Ed copes by filming cars at the site of the recent hit-and-run, hoping to catch the child’s killer. There, he notices Charlotte’s pilgrimages to the makeshift memorial, and over the weeks, the two become unlikely friends sharing intimate stories. But Charlotte won’t trust him with her most vulnerable secret of all: her suspicions about her daughter’s involvement in the accident.
When Ed finally learns the truth, he struggles with his beliefs and duties. If he keeps quiet, he has breached his commitment to the law. But if he does the right thing as an officer, he may send Libby to jail – and lose Charlotte.
Review
but all is colliding in the professional and personal world of style guru, Charlotte Oakes. Professionally, she beams in the glow of perfection, behind closed doors is a whole other story. Her daughter has mental health issues and a whole lot besides.
Ed Kelly is a police officer whose bullet happened to have killed his partner, but was it him who had done it?
There’s a hit and run and Charlotte isn’t so trusting of her daughter not to have been the one in the car.
Between Ed and Charlotte a friendship strikes up, but can there be more to it and what secrets will come out into the open?
Karen Uhlmann has delved deep into the grey intersections of lives and makes the readers question both the moral ground and how far you might go to protect people, especially a loved one. Intersectional lines criss-cross and are blurred, but will clarity come?
There’s a real sense of emotions throughout the book from the complex characters that transfers to the reader as you wonder how you’d deal with such a big situation.
Intersections has an engaging plot that weaves a huge web of life, tragedy, romance and human flaws together.
All in all, it’s an intriguing read and one that would be good for book clubs.
About the Author
Debut author and acclaimed Chicago reporter Karen Uhlmann would watch a police officer recording traffic everyday at an intersection in her neighborhood. Four-to-five times a week, he would sit there hoping to catch the suspect of a fatal hit-and-run that killed a young child. Karen wondered what he might be going through. She explores this and more in her compelling drama, Intersections (May 6, 2025, She Writes Press), the story of a fatal hit-and-run in a quiet Chicago neighborhood, the police officer and suburban mother who both witness the tragedy, and the bond they form over their shared grief–with one big secret: the mother believes the killer is her daughter.
I am absolutely delighted to be able to review By Your Side by Ruth Jones, having enjoyed her previous books and tv work, thanks to Rosie at Transworld, Penguin Random House. The writing and creativity of Ruth Jones is divine! Readers are in for a treat of a rich, heart-warming, witty, emotional page-turning read with a rather unusual reason attached to travel to a remote Scottish island… Check out the blurb and review below…
Blurb
DON’T MISS THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE BAFTA-WINNING CO-WRITER OF GAVIN & STACEY.
‘Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can’t help but fall in love with the characters she creates.’ JAMES CORDEN
The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and the Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold.
Linda and Levi will never meet. But they’re going to change each other’s lives.
In her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda Standish investigates the lives of those who’ve died alone and tracks down any living relatives. She’s been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years. And now she’s looking forward to an early retirement.
But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the past five years.
What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse) with her arch nemesis Fergus Murray, and helped (and hindered) by local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew.
Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding onto friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.
Review
The Unclaimed Heirs Unit is a fascinating place. Imagine working there trying to piece together people’s belongings and unite them with their new owners. Linda Standish did that, and now, on the cusp of retirement, she takes on one final case. One which takes her to a Scottish island.
By Your Side draws you in with a little humour and a fantastic beginning and that’s it, the hook that doesn’t let go until the end, and even then, not completely, is there, compelling you to read on until the end.
Living in Scotland, myself and travelled around the country a bit, I can say she’s certainly done her research or used experiences well. I am impressed she has chosen, to mention Crainlarich, Perth and more… It’ll feel like a real adventure and road-trip for readers, especially those who have perhaps not heard of these places before. It’s also nice to see them get a mention with that feeling of familiarity for those who have heard of them or, like me, travelled to or through them.
By Your Side is exceedingly heart-warmingly emotional and highlights what is quite an unusual job, showing much care and attention so the deceased are not alone.
Ruth Jones brings together community, travel and discovery together that’s so absorbing that you forget the time as you’re drawn deeply into the plot and characters.
Linda is a fabulous written character who you really get to know, from her love of chocolate, her kindness and pet hates, bringing relatability and a realness.
Ruth Jones writes in quite an evocative way that makes you care about why Levi was on such a remote island and makes you want to know more about whether an heir will be found. The people you meet along the way are either enlightening, enriching or intriguing, humorous or a whole mixture.
Cleverly written, By Your Side has the contrast of the actual journey taken to the island with that of the life journey Linda Standish finds herself on. In turn it sends readers on quite the journey themselves throughout what quickly becomes a page-turner of a read.
By Your Side by Ruth Jones is a book I highly recommend isn’t just by your side, but in your hand as you settle down with a cuppa and allow the warmth and humour to ooze out of the pages into your very being. By Your Side is a book you could pick up and read time and time again.
An Unflinching And Personal Exploration Of Chronic Pain And The Gender Health Gap
August 1-9 13:45 at Clover Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket
Written by Olivia Ormond
Starring Olivia Ormond
Directed by Juju Jaworski
Produced by Alexa Spiegel
After the medical system fails to find the cause of a woman’s pain, she is driven to extremes to finally be heard, leaving her questioning the world around her.
Emmy-winning writer, director, and creative producer Olivia Ormond is premiering her solo play, Call Me Crazy at the the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for a 9-date run after the U.S. premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Call Me Crazy is an unflinching and complex look at a woman from the inside out as she risks it all deciding what is better: to disappear, be tossed aside or give in and completely explode. After the medical system fails to find the cause of a woman’s pain let alone acknowledge that the pain exists, she is driven to extremes to finally be heard, leaving her questioning the world around her.
Said writer and star Olivia Ormond, “writing this show was not something I intended to do, but whenever I started writing something else it all seemed unimportant compared to this.” And the story is hitting home. She says, “I don’t go a day without meeting another woman who also shares this same experience.”
Call Me Crazy is Ormond’s true story of her lived experience of being told by medical professionals for years that the pain she was experiencing all day, every day, was not real. Says Olivia Ormond, “a lot can happen in 6 years, and living in pain for that long can make you crazy.” This show is the story of Olivia fighting to get her life back after consistent gaslighting from those who took an oath to help.
The gender health gap and medical gaslighting are real and only getting worse. Women are not listened to and their pain is not taken seriously. Call Me Crazyis for anyone wondering how many times people can call you crazy before you lose your f*cking mind and Ormond hopes that women come away from the piece feeling empowered, seen and heard. With her previous work creating original content for networks and studios, this play is the next evolution of her storytelling ethos: truthful, urgent, and impossible to ignore.
Run Time: 50 min
Dates/ Times: August 1-9 at 13:45
Venue: Clover Studio at Greenside @ Riddles Court
322 Lawnmarket EH1 2PG
Set just up from the Royal Mile and over the years some familiar faces such as Dame Maggie Smith and Stephen Fry have graced the stages in this venue make it a wee bit special. With four spaces, a bar and beautiful courtyard seating, Greenside @ Riddles Court is the perfect addition to our Green family.
Sheeps, their full live band & very special guests will be performing songs from their (unexpectedly) chart-placing album & more.
Sheeps are ‘arguably the best sketch group of their generation’ (Guardian), and now they’re inarguably the best Christmas-themed band of their generation too.
For two nights only, Sheeps and their full live band will be coming to the Edinburgh Fringe to perform songs from their unexpectedly-chart-placing album (58th on the Official Downloads Chart) and more, with a host of surprise guests. It may be August in Edinburgh, but it’s always Christmas somewhere.
Sheeps: A Very Sheeps Christmas – Live in Concert! In the Summer! is the perfect (and probably only) Christmas musical comedy show for the summer. A big, joyous musical extravaganza that feels as much like a gig as it does a comedy show, it showcases Sheeps and their band’s brilliant musical abilities alongside their comedy songwriting chops.
15 years into their comedy careers, these shows will mark the biggest Edinburgh Fringe shows performed by the critically-acclaimed sketch group.
Featuring zerocovers, these shows are guaranteed to include your new favourite Christmas songs, such as ‘My Baby Looks A Lot Like Santa Claus’, ‘Christmas Sex (That No Condom Sex)’, and a special live rendition of ‘Goodman Jizz’.
Previous special guests have included Jamie Demetriou, Rose Matafeo, Lolly Adefope, Charlotte Ritchie, Emma Sidi & more. Sheeps are Jonno (Guitar & Vocals), Al Roberts (Piano & Vocals) and Liam Williams (Vocals). They will be joined on-stage by a brilliant 5 piece band: Johnny White Really-Really (Guitar & Piano), Luke Bainbridge (Drums), Charlie Flynn (Bass), Sophie Burrows (Saxophone) & John Tothill (Clarinet).
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The album ‘A Very Sheeps Christmas’, a labour of love for Sheeps for over a decade, is available now on limited edition vinyl, as well as downloading and streaming. All links are HERE.
The musical passion project of lead songwriters and vocalists Daran Jonno Johnson and Al Roberts, the album features a whole host of incredible guest stars: vocal appearances from Jamie Demetriou, Rose Matafeo, Lolly Adefope, Charlotte Ritchie, Emma Sidi and Amy Annette, and musical appearances from comedians Kieran Hodgson on violin, and John Tothill on clarinet – as well as incredible session musicians appearing across the album.
Beloved sketch trio SHEEPS have created six sell-out sketch hours, and have had years of individual TV success. Together, they created the cult web series 2016: Year Friends, also co-written by and starring Jamie Demetriou, Natasia Demetriou and Ellie White, as well as popular BBC3 sketch pilot People Time.
AL ROBERTS has had notable roles in Stath Lets Flats (Channel 4), What We Do In The Shadows (FX), Starstruck (HBO/BBC3), Feel Good (Netflix/Channel 4) and Man Like Mobeen (BBC3).
JONNO (DARAN JOHNSON) co-wrote the Rose d’Or-nominated international comedy series Parlement (France.TV), for which he also won the 2020 Grimme-Preis for Fiction. He was also a writer for Wedding Season (Disney+), Elliott From Earth (Cartoon Network), and Siblings (BBC3).
LIAM WILLIAMS is the creator and star of BAFTA-nominated series PLS LIKE (BBC3), Ladhood (BBC3), and has also starred in This Time With Alan Partridge (BBC1), Everyone Else Burns (Channel 4) and Back to Life (BBC1).
What the press have said about A Very Sheeps Christmas:
“The funniest triple act in British comedy… deliver the ultimate Christmas album”Guardian
“Brilliant, a timely repository for daft, surprisingly catchy singalongs”Chortle
What the press have said about Sheeps:
“There’s no act in comedy more thrillingly, mind-expandingly funny”Brian Logan, Guardian
“Brilliantly crafted” Time Out
“something quite different and very exciting indeed” Independent
Bookmarks and Stages by Lou 