Male toxicity and vulnerability unite in this complex, compelling hour of theatrical character comedy.
We all know someone like The Cycling Man. A London-dwelling cycling fanatic whose wife left him, he has inflated ideas about the size of his penis and genuinely thinks he is one of the good guys.
The audience join this anti-hero, Oliver, in Brighton Hospital’s A&E department. He’s clear that something is terribly wrong, but never mind, it is absolutely not his fault. His previously-AWOL wife is there to comfort him, she must have just gone to get a cup of tea…
It is testament to Maniura’s ample talent that we manage to find some empathy for the character, who is frankly an atrocious specimen of manhood. Amidst this, there is a thread around male vulnerability here that is both tender and truthful, despite his odious, oblivious nature. Who needs accountability when you have a table to explain why your marriage falling apart is not your fault? Maniura is a master of character comedy, and this believable brute is among the best of the bunch.
The audience participation in this show is charming and adds fun to the plot. From a gentle cycling jaunt with an audience member (dubbed ‘terribly attractive’ by our protagonist), to making maximum use of the ultimate cycling accessory, his beloved Go-Pro.
A song about cycling apparel makes those watching roar with appreciation. With it, Maniura now has a mandate to explore musical comedy that she must fulfil. The audience want more. There’s also some funny video content, with a surprise appearance from clown darling, Lil Wenker, as a harried NHS nurse.
The Actors, Brighton’s beloved theatre hub, adored by all, but especially the LGBTQ+ community, is the perfect venue for this show. The audience are engaged, supportive and immediately get on-board for the ride. In theory, we’re attending a work-in-progress performance of the show, but watching this polished piece feels less like work, more like progress. We love to see it.
Objectified, Maniura’s multi-character debut comedy hour, was this reviewer’s show of the season in 2024. The Cycling Man has an essence that sits somewhat in the theatre field this time, but is no less magnificent for it. Maniura has funny bones, so there’s laughs all-round, but divorce is a weighty topic to make humour out of. The fact that she manages this deserves a hearty round of applause.
This show is an absolute must-see. For allies, theatre fanatics and anyone who wants to see a star on the rise.
Reviewed on 9 May 2025
Masterful Character Comedy
