London Theatre | 12 – 23 January 2027
Beat the January blues with two sporting comedies. Award-winning performer Adam Riches returns to Park Theatre with The Captain and Jimmy, opening its 2027 programme. Here are five reasons to book.
1. The Captain won a Fringe First
Winner of a 2026 Edinburgh Fringe First Award, The Captain tells the extraordinary story of Captain Matthew Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel, back in 1875. The fastest crossing since took under seven hours, and someone has swum it four times non-stop, but as the show points out, the first is the one everybody remembers. It’s a celebration of bravery, fortitude and sheer outright insanity. Webb was a man who died as he lived, chasing the impossible.
2. Jimmy is back after selling out
After a completely sold-out run at Park Theatre in January 2026, Jimmy returns. In 1974, Jimmy Connors was the greatest tennis player on the planet, but by 1991 he was being thrashed by his arch-rival’s little brother. What happened next at that year’s US Open was one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history. The show takes you deep inside the mind of an ageing, swaggering alpha who refuses to go quietly.
3. Physical comedy at its best
Both shows are written and performed by Riches and directed by Tom Parry. They combine physical performance, character comedy and old-fashioned storytelling in his distinctive style. Jimmy in particular is fast-paced, funny and intensely physical. Riches admits doing both back to back will be a real test, though nothing compared to what his two sporting heroes went through.
4. Five-star reviews
Riches’ work has earned five-star reviews from The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, The Scotsman and Time Out, plus four stars from The Guardian. The Telegraph called his work one in a million, and The Times critic said they’d have gone straight back to see it again. That’s quite a track record for a solo performer. These are shows with real word-of-mouth buzz.
5. See both for a sporting double
With the two shows running side by side in Park200, you could easily make a double bill of it. They’re perfect for sports fans, but you don’t need to know anything about swimming or tennis to enjoy them. Park Theatre in Finsbury Park has had 10 West End transfers and is a great night out. Tickets would make a fun Christmas present for the sports lover in your life.
Tickets and info
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
The Captain: Tuesday 12 – Saturday 23 January 2027
Jimmy: Thursday 14 – Saturday 23 January 2027
Nearest station: Finsbury Park