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Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean & Scott
29 October 2025 @ 7.30pm
About Discovering Antarctica: Heroic Tales of Shackleton, Crean & Scott
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 of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctica. The play takes you to the edge of your seat and beyond, as it reenacts 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”.
The show has won critical acclaim, and multiple awards and continues to enjoy sell-out performances and standing ovations. Having toured globally, including a stop in Antarctica, nearly a quarter of a million people have been captivated by the show and the heroic tales it brings to life.
This show has extensively toured under the name ‘Tom Crean, Antarctic Explorer’ in Ireland, USA , and Australasia, where the legendary status of Tom Crean is more widely known.
Reviews
Best Solo Performance Award Winner
New York International Fringe Festival
Outstanding Performance Award nomination
Elliot Norton Theatre Critics Award Boston
Fringe First Award Winner
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Best Actor nomination
Dublin Fringe Festival
Adelaide Fringe Award nomination
Best Theatre Work by an Established Artist
“An Unparalleled portrayal. It isn’t the destination; it is the journey. Mr Dooley’s efforts so vividly embodies that maxim you almost believe it.”
The New York Times
“Aidan Dooley gives a compelling solo performance in this ripping good yarn about real life adventurer Tom Crean the charismatic Dooley recounts the riveting tale of an ordinary man who showed extraordinary courage.”
New York Daily News
“Earnest and heartfelt. Dooley’s impassioned chronicle of heroic determination is so satisfying, theatergoers should be up for the journey.”
Time Out New York
“A banquet for the ears. Words create adventure that’s just as vivid as the special effects in a Hollywood Bonanza”
Variety
“By the end, you almost believed you’d been there too, so perfectly does Dooley conjure the jaw dropping battles against the elements and perilous hazards of the frozen south. It’s enough to make your hair stand on end”
The Daily Telegraph
“This magnificent revelation of a fascinating character simply compels a standing ovation.”
The Irish Times
“You will go to the end of the earth to find theatre this rewarding”
The Australian
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
From £19.50
Dates & times:
Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 7.30pm
About The Mill Arts Centre
The Mill Arts Centre is the cultural hub for Banbury and the surrounding area.
As the only dedicated arts provision in the area, it aims to inspire creativity and enrich the lives of the communities by providing a high-quality, varied artistic, educational and participatory programme.
It plays a significant role in the town’s cultural, social and economic development by offering the community the chance to engage with and be entertained by several art forms.
The Mill Arts Centre offers an exciting live events programme, including theatre, dance, music, comedy, film, workshops and classes. Alongside this, it runs several community projects and initiatives with partner organisations.
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