Guilty or innocent? The Freshwater Five - play exploring the case of fishermen jailed for smuggling - comes to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre
A new play about a group of fishermen who have consistently pleaded their innocence following a conviction for drug smuggling, The Freshwater Five, comes to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre later this year.
Fifteen years ago, five fishermen on the Isle of Wight – Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Daniel Payne, Scott Birtwistle and Zoran Dresic – were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53 million-worth of cocaine.
They have always professed their innocence. A tale that has long divided the Isle of Wight community, the powerful debut play seeks to present the case and its events on their merits and explore the state of our coastal communities.
Four years ago, the Court of Appeal upheld the convictions, saying the case against the men ‘remained compelling”.
Inspired by the popular Guardian Today in Focus podcast, The Freshwater Five incorporates spectacular storytelling, verbatim accounts, inventive stagecraft, poetry and song.
The Isle of Wight-based company delves into subjects of historical and contemporary smuggling, deteriorating coastal communities, immigration and folklore as well as examining the ancient profession’s place in our times.
Following sell-out tours to coastal communities and across the south east, The Freshwater Five is now on a national tour.
Artistic director Samuel Bossman and playwright Liam Patrick Harrison’s full-length play is a detailed and rich theatrical investigation into the men’s tragic downfall and the fate coastal communities.
Deadman is an award-winning working/precarious class-led theatre and film company whose work has been presented on stages across the south coast of England as well as international film festivals.
The company and ensemble are dedicated to staging contemporary and captivating local narratives for and from Britain's unheard and under-served coastal communities.
The Freshwater Five can be seen at the Stephen Joseph Theatre on Friday May 1 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Tickets are available from the box office on 01723 370541, in person and online at www.sjt.uk.com