The Freshwater Five

In 2011, 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 £53m worth of cocaine... in 2021 new evidence came to light that cast doubt on the original convictions.

A tale that has long divided the Isle of Wight community. This powerful debut production seeks to present the case and its events on their merits and explore the state of coastal communities today.

Award-winning Isle of Wight company Deadman arrives on a national tour in 2026 with its debut full-length production, fresh from sell-out tours to coastal communities and venues across the South East in 2023 and 2024. IOWer Artistic Director Samuel Bossman and playwright Liam Patrick Harrison present a detailed and richly drawn theatrical investigation into the men’s tragic downfall and the realities facing coastal communities.

In conjunction with performances of The Freshwater Five, Samuel Bossman is running a Finding Your Voice & Building A Career workshop on Fri 15 May at 2pm. Find out more information on this here.

The Freshwater Five is part of the Traverse's £1 Ticket Project.

Image: Charlie Price (photographer) Megan Siggers (graphic designer)

Reviews

A show with a “powerful message” (Broadway World) achieving sold-out performances across the country.

A Lyn Gardner Vault Pick, “creatively staged with arresting visuals…verbatim speech and mannerisms (that) enhance already striking performances” (FringeBiscuit)

Led by artistic director/producer/actor Samuel Bossman, a “poignant and moving storyteller” leads a “brilliant ensemble” (IW County Press)

And playwright Liam Patrick Harrisons’ debut is a “unique and thought provoking” production that “will leave you wanting to find out more.” (Teddington Nub)

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.