Flight: One Man’s Journey is a one act, one man show performing at The Squad House in Bredbury as part of Greater Manchester Fringe. It is the story of Maneek, a boy raised initially in a village, surrounded by people he knows and dreams of tigers. Despite his fear of the beasts, he is happy. When his strict policeman father moves them to a city, his life changes. His mother has an affair, and his father throws them both out. He and his mother end up in the slums. However, he plans and manages his escape by gaining a visa to study abroad. It’s not smooth going. Through his life Maneek experiences hardships and struggles with a sense of cultural displacement, but he survives, marries a girl from his home country and ends up working and settling happily in the UK.
Performer Naz Sheikh not only has to create the character of Maneek, but also the myriad of other people he meets on his journey. He creates both introspection and effervescence, moving between both the child and adult Maneek and the sundry others with confidence and skill. The whole show flows smoothly, using simple props cleverly to enhance events and environments without overwhelming the stage. Writer Martin Lytton working in conjunction with Director Jacquie Crago and Sheikh himself have ensured that the audience both empathise with Maneek and stay engaged with the plot for the hour-long performance.
Maneek’s story gives a profound and informative vision into a life that many would not recognise but encourages the recognition for what he lived through to get where he is today. The layers are peeled back, leaving the audience admiring the man he has become.
Flight: One Man’s Journey is a entertaining and enlightening look into identity, culture and belonging and is an excellent way to spend an evening.
Flight: One Man’s Journey runs until July 4th and tickets can be found through www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk
Reviewer: Helen Jones
Reviewed: 3rd July 2026
North West End UK Rating: