Nothing Great Is Easy: The Story of the First Channel Swimmer

In 1875, a former sailor set out from Dover pier on a quest no-one thought possible. Twenty-two hours later, he had swum his way to fame.

In a special outdoor performance in the gardens of Felixstowe's historic Harvest House, this one man show brings to life the extraordinary true story of Captain Matthew Webb, the first person to swim the English Channel. Follow his rivalries with fellow swimmers, the glorious triumph of his pioneering Channel swim, his increasingly futile attempts to capitalise on the resulting fame, and finally his tragic demise in a swimming stunt gone wrong. An inspiring story of athletic endeavour, and an early cautionary tale of the perils of fame.

" ... a dramatic tour de force ... It was as if Captain Webb himself had been brought back to life."
— Cambridge News

Running time: 1 hour.

Suitable for: Adults and young people 12+ years.

Food and drink: Available to buy at the venue before the performance.

Writer and performer: Chris Hudson.

Director: Rosina Piovani.

Producer: Antony Quinn.

Host or Publisher Historyonics Theatre Company