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Play on Words presents

Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean & Scott

  • Corn Exchange Auditorium
  • Full price £18.25 (including booking fee)
A man holding an oil lamp in the air with one hand and a pipe in the other. He wears a dark gilet and beanie hat with a cream coloured top. The background is black.

Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley.

Set during the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration (1901-1916), discover the riveting stories of the only man who served standing alongside Scott and Shackleton in three of the most daring and challenging expeditions to the great white continent, including Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition. Crean’s story is a testament to human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctica. The play takes you to the edge of your seat… and beyond, as it re-enacts many of the era’s heroic endeavours.

This includes Crean’s infamous 36-mile solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades – described by Antarctic historians as 'the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration'.

'This magnetic revelation of a fascinating character, simply compels a standing ovation.'

The Irish Times Dublin

'Crean lived, and did more than survive – he triumphed, and Dooley’s performance is no less than a triumph.'

Sunday Tribune Dublin

'Aidan Dooley’s one-man show is a charming, funny, perfectly pitched account of an ordinary man who helped to turn the wheels of history.'

The Scotsman

'This one-man show is a genuine small pleasure, the kind of piece that gives you an insight into unseen and unsung lives.'

The Guardian

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A man with a pipe in his mouth against a brown backdrop

About Tom Crean, The Man

Born 1877 in Kerry, Ireland. Joined the Royal Navy at 15 years of age. Served on 'Discovery' from 1901 - 1904 and 'Terra Nova' 1910 - 1913 under Captain Robert Scott and from 1914 - 1916 served on 'Endurance' under Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Survived for months trapped on the ice floes after the ship was crushed and journeyed with Shackleton and four others in a 21-foot lifeboat, across the South Atlantic (800 miles). They scaled the uncharted glaciers of South Georgia to reach help for their stricken colleagues left behind. Received the 'Albert Medal' for bravery.

Performance time: 7.30pm

Duration: 1hr 30mins (no interval)

Age Guide: 12+