Kathy Maniura: The Comedian Blending Absurdity and Drag in Edinburgh

Kathy Maniura, a notable figure in the realm of sketch comedy, is set to perform her latest act, 'The Cycling Man', at the Pleasance Courtyard during the Edinburgh Festival from July 30 to August 24, 2025. Known for her unique blend of gentle absurdity and drag performance, Maniura has captivated audiences with characters ranging from a paper straw to a nervous smoke alarm.

Maniura’s journey into comedy was inspired by a childhood filled with classic sketch shows such as 'French and Saunders' and 'Monty Python'. According to Maniura, "I’ve always loved making people laugh. I took any opportunity to be silly for an audience." Her early experiences led her to pursue sketch comedy at university, where she honed her craft, deploying colorful wigs, costumes, and silly voices to bring her characters to life.

In her new show, Maniura adopts the persona of 'The Cycling Man', a character that satirizes the often absurd world of middle-aged cyclists. This character emerged from her observations of cyclists in London, clad in Lycra and seemingly on a quest from one central location to another. Maniura reflects on this phenomenon, asking, "Are they OK? Why won’t they put their feet down at the traffic lights?" Her act aims to explore and poke fun at the quirks of this subculture, merging it with her drag performance style, which she became fascinated with after encountering the drag king collective Pecs.

The comedy landscape, however, is not without its challenges. Maniura has expressed concerns about the accessibility of comedy spaces, particularly for marginalized groups. She notes, "Many working-class comedians can’t do it. A lot of comedy spaces are inaccessible in other ways – male dominated, all white, in basements or upstairs in old pubs. It puts comedians in marginalized groups at a huge disadvantage in an industry that’s already hard work" (Pape, Liam. 'Kathy Maniura: The Cycling Man', The Guardian, 16 July 2025).

Despite these obstacles, Maniura emphasizes the importance of resilience in comedy. She learned an invaluable lesson: "To try and fail! The only way you get better at comedy is by saying a joke out loud, in front of people, and seeing what happens." This perspective encapsulates the spirit of the Edinburgh Festival, a platform renowned for its diverse and often experimental performances.

As the festival approaches, Maniura is eager to share 'The Cycling Man' with audiences, inviting them to engage with her unique comedic lens. Her contributions to the comedy scene not only highlight the evolution of character comedy but also underscore the necessity for inclusivity and representation in the arts, ultimately enriching the cultural tapestry of performance art.

In conclusion, Kathy Maniura stands as a testament to the power of creativity and humor. Her performances challenge societal norms while providing audiences with laughter and reflection in equal measure. 'The Cycling Man' promises to be a compelling exploration of absurdity and identity, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Edinburgh Festival.