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The Freshwater Five

by Deadman Theatre. Presented on tour by House Theatre

In 2011, five fishermen on the Isle of Wight (Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Daniel Payne, Scott Birtwistle & Zoran Dresic) were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53m worth of cocaine. They have always professed their innocence. A tale that has long divided a community on the Isle of Wight. This powerful new play seeks to heal the divide and explore the state of our coastal communities.

Inspired by the wildly popular Guardian Today in Focus podcast The Freshwater Five incorporates spectacular storytelling, verbatim accounts, inventive stagecraft, poetry and song. The South Coast cast and creatives delve into subjects of classical & contemporary smuggling, deteriorating coastal communities, immigration and folklore as well as examining this ancient profession’s place in our times.  

Fresh from a sell-out coastal communities tour in 2023 award-winning Isle of Wight company Deadman is bringing it on a wider tour to audiences. led by artistic director Samuel Bossman, Liam Patrick Harrison’s stageplay launches a detailed and rich theatrical investigation into the men’s tragic downfall. 

#FreshwaterFive
#FreedomForTheFreshwaterFive

Age guidance: 12+ (strong language & drug references)
Running time: 65 mins (no interval)

Thank you to:
The Freshwater Five and their families
Emily Bolton (Founder of Appeal)
The Guardian Today in Focus Podcast 

 

Production photo of 'The Freshwater Five'. Three performers dressed in practical fishing clothing, sit on blue flotation canisters or lobster traps, holding their arms behind their backs as if handcuffed. A performer sits on a lobster trap, slumped over and looking dejected. Two performers appear to be in the midst of a fight or altercation, as a third performer attempts to break them apart. A performer in a plain white t-shirts sits on a stage in very low light, looking contemplative. Two performers stand one behind the other, holding their arms up as if in surrender. A large anchor is visible behind them, and the scene is lit by blue stage lighting. Four performers standing in a row across the stage, each holding a length of rope and moving as if in the act of coiling it up. A large anchor is at the back of the stage, and the whole scene is lit by blue stage lighting. A performer in a suit and tie stands in the middle of the stage holding their arms open and looks as if they are screaming or shouting. Another performer in a white t-shirt stands close behind them. A performer sits on a darkened performance space, illuminated by a small light held above their head by another performer. A third performer is just visible, standing to the right of the seated performer.

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Ticket info

£16, £13.50 Members

12+

Details

Type: Theatre
Accessibility:
Host: South Street

21 South Street
Reading
Berks
RG1 4QU
United Kingdom

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