Speaking publicly about the case for the first time in more than ten 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 next week.
As reported by News OnTheWight, Production company, Deadman, return to their home venue Quay Arts with the full production of ‘The Freshwater Five’ – before setting sail on a UK South Coast (and London) Tour.
Inspired by podcast series
The production was inspired by the popular Guardian Today in Focus 6-part podcast mini-series.
Island-born creative duo Samuel Bossman and playwright Liam Patrick Harrison say they were astonished to discover that the biggest drug busts in British history took place right next to the beach where the learned to swim.
The production has been developed with the help of the men’s legal champion Emily Bolton (founder of Appeal), family members of the accused, as well the singular dissenting juror from the original trial.
Arts Council England funded
The company were awarded an Arts Council England grant to develop a new full-production to tour the UK South Coast – beginning its journey at Quay Arts Centre for five nights from 27th February – 3rd March.
The new full-production of the ‘The Freshwater Five’ tells the story of five fishermen on the Isle of Wight (Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Zoran Dresic, Daniel Payne and Scott Birtwistle) who were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53m worth of cocaine.
Where and when
‘The Freshwater Five’ takes place at Quay Arts from Monday 27th February to Friday 3rd March.
If you would like to hear what Jamie Green has to say about the events of the last eleven years, you can book tickets via the Quay Arts Website. He’ll be attending a Q&A on Thursday 2nd March.
Tickets are £8 in advance or £12 on the door. Doors open at 9.30, performance begins at 8pm.
Support
‘The Freshwater Five’ is a regional project funded by Arts Council England, The Mike Howley Trust and Farnham Maltings Working Class Artists Fund. Local cultural partners include, Quay Arts, The Island Collection and The Isle of Wight Creative Network.
News OnTheWight is also supporting the production through this and other features, sharing news of the event to their wide readership.
Image: © Charlie Price
