It's got hope and heart' How story of Speedo Mick inspired a stage show

When the lights went down on the final scene of Speedo Mick - the Musical, Michael Cullen had tears streaming down his face. He wasn't the only one.

- Alexandra Topping

On the face of it, the show about his life, which opened at Liverpool's Royal Court theatre last week and runs until 5 July, is a knockabout romp about a local character known for raising money for charity by strutting his stuff in a pair of bright blue budgie-smugglers.

But it is also a story about addiction, depression and hitting rock bottom. It's about finding purpose and becoming a hero, but losing yourself along the way. Fundamentally, says the 60-year-old the morning after opening night, it's a story about hope.

"It's not happy-clappy," says Cullen. "But it is funny. It's got music, it's got love, it's got breakups. It's got hope and perseverance and heart."

In short, it tells Cullen's extraordinary story with clear-eyed honesty. For 20 years of his life the Liverpudlian sank deep into addiction, abusing drugs and drink and ending up homeless. In 2001, with the help of a friend he credits with saving his life, he managed to get clean.

"When you're wrapped up in addiction, you become a victim to your own circumstances," he says. "You stop taking responsibility... there's a lot of shame and guilt. I've had to work hard to become the person I am today, who actually shows himself some compassion and love. I've had to rebuild life, one day at a time."