Facing the waves Musical: Corn Exchange, Alford

Facing The Waves is a brand-new musical from an award-winning, West-End composer, celebrating ordinary people doing extraordinary things, a timeless responsibility, passed on from one generation to the next. It is the link between an iconic Victorian hero and Faith, a young mum and teaching assistant.

Henry Freeman, the sole survivor of the 1861 Whitby lifeboat disaster, became a national hero, with countless rescues including an extraordinary endeavour as a lifeboat was carried across snow-covered moors to achieve a rescue that became a legend. Now it’s Faith’s turn: two young children, the pressure of a demanding job and then, putting her life before those of others. Will it be chips for tea or facing the worst of seas?

The landscape and sea are unchanging, but life in a community facing the waves brings new challenges. Henry was an outsider, questioned and shunned for much of his life. In the 21st century, the tide of tourists masks the hardships that characterises many of our beloved seaside towns. For Henry and Faith there are personal demons to be faced, redemption to be found.

Approximate running time - 2hrs 20 mins