Speedo Mick says he’s ‘honoured and buzzing’ to have his life story told on stage in Liverpool

Liverpool’s charity walk hero Speedo Mick says he’s honoured and buzzing to have his life story told in a new show at the Royal Court.

Speedo Mick – The Musical covers all the highs and lows from addiction which led to him being homeless to the incredible achievement of his epic treks raising more than £1million.

It’s been written by award-winning Liverpool writer John Fay with original songs from Boff Whalley of Chumbawumba.

Mick admits he was nervous at first about the idea of watching his story translated to the stage but now he’s excited for the world premiere from the end of May.

He said:

“At first I did have a lot of anxiety around it because you’re putting your story and your soul out there, you’re making yourself vulnerable,”

“I’ve got a great imagination but I was wondering how it was going to transfer to the audience and if it was going to work but I think that was just my fear. 

“As it’s gone on I’ve let them do their thing and not gegged in on it, they know how to do it, so I’ve just had faith in them. 

“I went to see rehearsals the other day and I was absolutely blown away by it, it’s brilliant. They’ve brought everything to life: the music, the energy, the sadness, the highs and lows, it’s got it all so I’m over the moon with it.”

Mick says he found it emotional to sit down with writer John and relive his past.

“But what I’ve realised is being honest about my whole story is important to me and it’s been a big part of my recovery. It’s because of that I am who I am today and why I do the things I do.

“I’ve never wanted to be seen as just this hero, there’s been a lot of pain and suffering and hard times I’ve had to go through, and I think some people in the audience are going to be seeing a different side of me. 

“I think they are going to be surprised by the play because it is telling the whole tale and that includes when people weren’t shouting my name in a good way.

“I’m really excited about it, and I’m so made up that they’re talking about addiction on the main stage of the Royal Court because there’s a stigma attached to addiction, even today. People stay in the dark because of the shame and the guilt, it weighs heavy on your shoulders, so I’m happy we’re still spreading the word.”

Mick says being the subject of a new show, premiering in his home city, is something he’s incredibly proud of.

“It’s a massive honour, it’s nuts. I’m not in the show at all, Paul Duckworth is going to be playing me, and I’m glad about that. I’m still recovering and it’s a big responsibility to take on, so I’m going to be sitting back watching.

“I am just really relieved and buzzing about how the story’s getting told.

“I think the opening night will be quite tearful, for me anyway, but it’s really funny as well and it’ll be thoroughly thoroughly entertaining.”

Speedo Mick – The Musical is on at the Royal Court from May 30 to July 5.

Find out more information about Speedo Mick – The Musical here.

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