Speedo Mick's 'story of hope' inspires musical

Speedo Mick, who raised more than £1m for charity by walking across the UK in a pair of swimming trunks, is to have his "story of hope" turned into a musical.

Michael Cullen, from Liverpool, spent nine years completing fundraising challenges in his skimpy outfit to support young and homeless people.

He said Speedo Mick - The Scouse Stomper, which will be at the city's Royal Court in summer 2025, would tell the tale of a "Scouse fella who made bad mistakes and turned his life around".

He added that it was "unbelievable" his story would be put on stage.

The musical has been written by John Fay, who has previously worked on Coronation Street and Brookside, with music from former Chumbawamba guitarist Boff Whalley.

Whalley said the show would be "a good night out".

"It's based on a real character who has become a proper legend around Merseyside for his mad charity walks, all undertaken in the briefest of briefs," he said.

The musical will document Speedo Mick's childhood and his journey from living on the streets as an addict to swimming the English Channel and walking the length of the UK in all weathers.

The fundraiser, who was awarded Liverpool’s Citizen of Honour in May, said he was "overwhelmed and proud" that the show was being created.

"I look at everything I've done and it makes me want to cry, to be honest," he said.

"I've been lost to addiction and all this has given me a purpose."

He said his old school friends would be among the first to see the musical and it was likely to hold some surprises, even for them.

"Because of my ADHD, I was always distracted and sent out of class, so there's so much of the story people haven't heard," he said.

"It’s about a Scouse fella who made bad mistakes and turned his life around.

"It’s a story of hope, that anybody out there who has dealt with addiction can turn their lives around if they get the support they need."

He said he had been involved in the creative process, but was not across every part of what was planned.

"I'm trying not to be too hands on, but I do have an input," he said.

"I don't know how they will put someone swimming the English Channel on stage, so I will leave it to the writers and director."

The theatre's executive producer Kevin Fearon said the institution prided itself "on telling the stories of Liverpool, and none is quite so weird and wonderful as Speedo Mick".

"As a charity fundraiser he has inspired millions, but we think there are aspects of his story that will tug on the heartstrings," he added.

Speedo Mick - The Scouse Stomper is at Livepool's Royal Court from 30 May to 5 July 2025

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