Two of the UK’s most acclaimed theatre companies, ThickSkin and Pentabus, are collaborating to bring their 2023 co-production of Driftwood to a national audience in 2025. The production will be scaled up for a 17-date tour, kicking off at The Lowry in Salford on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st March 2025. Driftwood promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining a deeply emotional narrative with a unique physical and cinematic production style.
Written by the Bruntwood Prize-winning playwright Tim Foley, Driftwood tells the poignant story of two brothers, Mark and Tiny, from a northern seaside town. With their father dying and their town crumbling, they find themselves at odds with each other, pulled apart by family rifts and political divides. As they walk along the shore, they’re stalked by a mysterious figure made of driftwood. The play delves into themes of hope, love, belonging, and the complex tides that flow within us all.
A Collaboration of Talents
The partnership between ThickSkin and Pentabus brings together the best of both worlds. ThickSkin, known for its dynamic, fast-paced, and visually striking productions such as How Not to Drown and Peak Stuff, brings a unique cinematic and physical approach to the piece. Pentabus, renowned for its expertise in developing new writing, complements this with their deep commitment to storytelling and crafting authentic, emotionally resonant narratives.
The production features an incredible team of collaborators, including ThickSkin’s Artistic Director Neil Bettles, who has directed previous hits like How Not to Drown and Blood Harmony, and Pentabus’ Artistic Director Elle While, known for her work on Private Peaceful and as an Associate Artist of Shakespeare’s Globe. The design team includes Lighting Designer Charly Dunford, who won the 2022 ALPD Michael Northern Award, and Sound Designer Lee Affen, who has worked on ThickSkin’s award-nominated Walk This Way series. The video design by Sarah Readman incorporates creative captions, ensuring the production is fully accessible.
A Tale of the North East
Playwright Tim Foley, originally from the North East of England, drew inspiration from his home region for this powerful story. “I wanted to write a tale that lets you taste the salt in the air and gets sand between your toes,” he explains. “This story, with its bickering brothers and ancient myths, is as wild and varied as the landscape that inspired it. It’s a celebration of the area and a confrontation with the forces working against it.”
Following its successful 2023 rural tour, ThickSkin and Pentabus are excited to bring Driftwood to mid-scale venues across the UK. Bettles reflects on the warm response from audiences, saying, “We wanted to share this production more widely. It’s a show we’re incredibly proud of, with all the hallmarks of a ThickSkin production—cinematic, dynamic, and fast-paced. We believe it will resonate with a broad audience.”
Elle While of Pentabus adds, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be working alongside ThickSkin to bring Driftwood to a wider audience. Their unique energy, paired with the heart of Tim’s writing, makes this production something truly special. We’re excited to elevate this evocative, deeply-rooted story and share it with more people across the UK.”
Don’t Miss This Moving Experience
With its combination of heartfelt storytelling, breathtaking design, and exceptional physical theatre, Driftwood is a production not to be missed. Catch it at The Lowry in Salford in March 2025 and on tour across the country.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.thelowry.com.www.thelowry.com.
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