Music: Boff Whalley
Writer: John Fay
Director: Conrad Nelson
A lesson in determination and overcoming the impossible in this heart warming, albeit haphazard, walk through this great man’s life.
Move over Clark Kent because Liverpool’s very own superhero has arrived, clad not in a cape, but in a pair of iconic blue trunks! Speedo Mick bursts onto the Royal Court stage with the energy of a comic book action hero, telling his extraordinary story through original music, performed live, and plenty of raw honesty.
From the moment we see Mick (Paul Duckworth) depicted on the cover of a comic book, it’s clear we’re in for something bold and unconventional. That superhero motif runs throughout, capturing his remarkable journey from the depths of addiction to scaling personal, and philanthropic heights.
This is Mick’s origin story — how he came to wear his now-famous speedos. What drives someone to such a bold choice (regardless of the weather)? Trauma? Destiny? Accidental chance? Whatever the reason, it’s the start of a deeply human journey. Unrecognisable with his clothes on, Mick — a passionate Evertonian — slips into his blue trunks, pulls his socks up, and sets off on the walk of his life.
It’s almost impossible to comprehend the scale of his impact. Mick has raised over a million pounds for many different charities, and his lived experience of addiction and homelessness gives him a powerful authenticity. His story radiates hope, demonstrating that even from life’s darkest corners, light can be found.
Adding a theatrical element and weaving through Mick’s story is the plight of a young man named Johnny (Lenny Wood), who Mick finds teetering on the edge of despair atop Everton’s new stadium. Mick reaches out, inviting him to a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, where he shares his own turbulent path and how he found new purpose starting with the 12-step programme.
We hear how Mick, inspired by David Walliams, first decided to swim the English Channel — despite having no prior experience. This provides the first reveal of the infamous speedos which draws audible delight from the audience, who recognise the now-familiar sight of tanned Mick proudly standing in his signature gear.
Mick’s wife (Polly Lister) plays a pivotal role in his journey, offering constant support, even as his mind races, waking her up at 3am to excitedly announcing ideas for new challenges. His drive to keep pushing — possibly fuelled by Mick’s ADHD, brilliantly referred to as his “superpower” — eventually takes its toll, and the story doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight this places on their relationship.
There are plenty of feelgood, humorous moments too — from a reworded Evertonian rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, to amusing raw footage of Mick grumbling about toast, which is replicated on stage. The comic relief is well-placed and genuinely funny.
However, not all of the creative choices land. While the multimedia elements — particularly the video footage — spark the strongest reactions from the audience, the jukebox-style songs lack cohesion and emotional punch. The Captain Tom interlude, though amusing, feels disconnected from the narrative. At times, the messaging around mental health veers into repetition, giving the show a “theatre-in-education” feel rather than allowing its deeper emotional undercurrents to breathe.
More could have been explored. What were the physical and emotional tolls of Mick’s long walks? What unexpected encounters shaped him? These insights remain largely on the surface, when there’s clearly much more beneath.
Johnny’s identity also feels muddled. There is a deeper connection between him and Mick, it doesn’t feel that its clarified clearly enough, which could leave the audience a little unsure.
Despite these flaws, the show makes excellent use of set and props, vividly evoking settings from swimming lanes in Eaton to the waves of the English Channel.
Speedo Mick is ultimately a story about purpose — about finding meaning after chaos, and channelling pain into power. Mick has raised over a million pounds, won a Pride of Britain award, and been named Liverpool’s Citizen of the Year. An inspiring man and worthy of recognition.
This musical is his “walk with words” — and while it doesn’t always hit its stride, it marches forward with heart, humour, and heroic intention.
Runs until Saturday 5th July 2025.
