It feels amazing to be back writing for North West End UK again and to kick off my first review of 2025, I was invited to watch ‘Speedo Mick The Musical’ written by John May, music by Boff Whalley and directed by Conrad Nelson, at the iconic Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre.
For those who don’t know Speedo Mick, otherwise known as Micheal Cullen. Raises money for charity by walking in all weathers and even in sub-zero temperatures all in his pair of blue Speedo’s and not forgetting his Everton scarf. Raising over a million pounds for selected charities. So quite rightly this story had to be told and give him the recognition he deserves and more.
The show opens with Johnny (Lenny Wood) at the top of the building, unable to see the light and wanting to end his life. This is until he is found by Micheal Cullen (Paul Duckworth). Who tells him that everything will be ok, let’s talk, let’s hear your story and it will become easier. Mick brings Johnny to one of his talking groups. Johnny at first doesn’t tell his story, so Mick helps to get things started by saying his. Mick spoke of how he was an addict and dealt with alcoholism, he eventually got clean and met his wife (Jessica Dyas) a lady that always believed in Mick, she believed he could do anything. Mick loved his wife everything she said made sense, he set out to do good and raise money for charity and Speedo Mick was born. However, it wasn’t born from walking just yet his first charity challenge was to swim across the channel. An incredible thing to do that would scare most, but not Mick he was determined to train and train. In order to help raise money, which will help as many people as he could. Once completing the challenge he was elated and his friends and family couldn’t be prouder but for Mick it wasn’t over, he wanted his next challenge but due to injuries he couldn’t swim again. So he grabbed his Speedo’s and began to walk.
The company were very skilled at multi- rolling various roles within Mick’s story. The company consisted of Steve Simmonds, Declan Wilson, Timothy Robert’s, Oliver Mawdsley, Maddie Hanson, Polly Lister, Ewan Ling and Iris Laverne. Not only brilliant Multi rollers but very skilled and incredible musicians. I could watch and listen to them all day.
However, there were some small issues some of the sound quality wasn’t the best and some of the song lyrics were missed. Due to the microphone’s not being turned on or not being loud enough. When watching this show, I personally felt that this show would have worked better as a play than as a musical. The songs aren’t the parts that I will walk away remembering it’s the personal journey.
This is a story that needs to be told and equally has to be heard. The message that was the biggest takeaway for me from this story is that we will all never walk… unaccompanied. This show champions mental health awareness, that it’s ok to talk and tell your story. There will always be someone there to listen, to help and to get you on the right path. Maybe even inspire you. Micheal Cullen certainly has inspired me with his story and I’m sure his story will inspire you to. Go and watch the show while you can. Read up on Speedo Mick and his incredible charities. I hope one day we can see Micheal Cullen in His Speedo’s accepting a knighthood because no one deserves it more than Speedo Mick. One step turns to two, two turns to 20 steps which leads to 200 and so on.
Reviewer: Luke Montague
Reviewed: 4th June 2025
North West End UK Rating: