Adam Riches: The Captain review – the extraordinary glory of a ‘half man, half fish’ Victorian hero

Adam Riches' solo play, "The Captain," currently captivating audiences at Summerhall in Edinburgh, offers a unique and humorous exploration of the remarkable life of Captain Matthew Webb. Webb, a Victorian-era daredevil, achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first person to swim the English Channel unaided in 1875. The performance, fittingly staged in the Anatomy theatre, takes the form of a lecture and eulogy delivered by Fred Beckwith, a swimming coach who played a pivotal role in training the young Webb for his historic challenge. Riches embodies Beckwith, portraying him as a fervent admirer and mentor, who affectionately refers to Webb as a "half man, half fish" hero, a testament to his extraordinary aquatic prowess and endurance.

Riches, a comedian celebrated for his energetic and engaging stage presence, brings his signature comedic style to "The Captain," much like his other acclaimed fringe productions, including "The Critic's Way." The play skillfully blends humor with historical narrative, offering a droll send-up of Victorian sensibilities and the era's fascination with human endurance and achievement. A significant element of the performance involves the active participation of the audience, who are enthusiastically co-opted into reenacting aspects of Webb's channel crossing. These interactive segments, described as "stirring good fun," include simulated swimming workshops and spirited cheerleading, embodying the collective spirit and support that surrounded Webb's monumental undertaking.

Beyond the central narrative of Webb's triumph, "The Captain" also revels in the bizarre and often overlooked details of the historical account. The play highlights Beckwith's own peculiar contributions, such as his supposed "mystical fifth swimming technique," the sidestroke, which was crucial to Webb's training regimen. Furthermore, the narrative introduces an American rival who also completed the Channel swim, albeit under less conventional circumstances. This rival's crossing was facilitated by a rubber suit that, according to the play, bore a striking resemblance to a boat, adding a layer of absurdity and highlighting the diverse approaches to this groundbreaking challenge. The choice of Summerhall's Anatomy theatre as the venue provides a fittingly atmospheric and intellectual backdrop for this engaging tribute to a pioneering Victorian figure and his enduring legacy in the annals of endurance sports.