The Freshwater Five

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.

Inspired by the wildly popular Guardian Today in Focus 6-part podcast series of the same name, Liam Patrick Harrison’s stageplay, produced by the award-winning production company Deadman (Artistic Director Sammuel Bossman), launches a detailed and rich theatrical investigation into the men’s tragic downfall.

Through spectacular storytelling, verbatim accounts, inventive stagecraft, poetry and song, the South Coast cast delves into subjects of classical & contemporary smuggling, deteriorating coastal communities, immigration and the folklore interwoven through this ancient profession.

Thank you to:
The Freshwater Five and their families
Emily Bolton (Founder of Appeal)
The Guardian Podcast
Arts Council England, Mike Howley Trust & Farnham Maltings

Speaking publicly about the case for the first time in more than 10 years Jamie Green, skipper of the Galwad-y-Mor and alleged ringleader of the biggest drug smuggle in British history, will appear in a post-show Q&A at VAULT Festival for the London run of ‘The Freshwater Five’ play on Wednesday 8th March 2023. The event will be chaired by Emily Bolton, Founder of Appeal (the charity and law practice that fights miscarriages of justice and demands reform) and the men’s long-time legal champion.