Friday 20th February 2026
Location: Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street, Kilkenny. R95 D320
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.

Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive the three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 – 1916).

Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of the Antarctic. His 36 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 finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”. He was subsequently awarded the Albert Medal for his bravery.

This multi-award winning show has now played critically acclaimed sell-out performances throughout Ireland, USA, Australia, Europe and the UK.
Fringe First Award Winner – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2006

Best Solo Performance Award Winner – New York International Fringe Festival 2003

Outstanding Performance Award nomination – Elliot Norton Theatre Critics Award Boston 2006

Best Actor nomination – Dublin Fringe Festival 2003

Adelaide Fringe Award nomination – Best Theatre Work by Established Artiste 2007
“a remarkable and uplifting piece of theatre, gives everything and asks nothing.”
Emer O’Kelly, Sunday Independent
“This magnificent revelation of a fascinating character simply compels a standing ovation”
Gerry Colgan, The Irish Times
Organisers Website

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