THE intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes Tom Crean is brought to life in a dramatic and humorous solo performance at Pocklington Arts Centre next week.

Performed by Aidan Dooley, the show includes riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive three famous expeditions: Discovery (1901-1904), Terra Nova (1910-1913) and Endurance (1914-1916).

Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements of Antarctic, his 36-mile, solitary trek to base camp during the Terra Nova expedition to rescue his comrades Teddy Evans and William Lashly has been described by Antarctic historians as “the finest feat of individual heroism from the entire age of exploration”.

Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer, which was also written by Aidan, premiered at The New York International Fringe Festival in August 2003, where it won the Best Solo Performance Award.

In the same year the show played the Dublin Fringe Festival, where it picked up a Best Actor nomination.

The show has since toured the all over the world, including Ireland, US and Australia.

The production is part of a Small Venue’s Network (SVN) tour with financial assistance from Arts Council, England.

• Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer is at Pocklington Arts Centre on Thursday, March 12, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the box office on 01759 301547 or go to pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk