Tony and I went to the Olympia Theatre the other night to see 'Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer'. It was absolutely brilliant. It's a one man show - Aidan Dooley - and it recounts the adventures of Tom Crean from his life in Kerry, to joining the British Navy, which led him to his 3 expeditions with Scott and Shackleton. It is hilarious and poignant and sad and wonderful all the time. The stories and adventures are recounted so brilliantly that it seems completely effortless on Aidan Dooley's part, almost as if the man himself is telling it just like it was, for the very first time. The humour in it is totally unexpected and the way he addresses the audience is so surprising and engaging.
Well done to Aidan Dooley, incredible performance. The Olympia looks beautiful too. We must get out more often. I took some photos before and after the show but will add them later.
This is from Frank the Monkeys Entertainment Guide:
Written and performed by Dooley the story, a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctica, is brought to life in this dramatic solo performance. Crean’s thirty-six mile solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly; has been described by Antarctic historians as the “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”. He was subsequently awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery.
