That Infernal Diver

About

When John and Charles Deane came to Portsmouth in 1836 they did not know that they were about to launch an engineering revolution. They came to prove their new invention, the diving helmet. The Royal Engineers (and later the Navy) took note of their exploits they rapidly adopted the new equipment. Within a few years a worldwide industry in underwater salvage, construction and pearl diving was established. John Deane moved his family to Gosport. He discovered the 'Mary Rose' and later went on to make a name for himself in the Crimea where Russell Howard, the famous war correspondent, nicknamed him the 'Infernal Diver'.

The Lee Players and The Diving Museum are jointly performing a dramatised interview with John Deane as he recalls his life, the invention of the helmet, and his explosive escapades in the Crimea.

A delightful melange of drama, local history, a taste of the Crimean War and the extraordinary life of an extraordinary Victorian inventor.
For one night only: Tickets (includes refreshments) available from online.