Driftwood at The Other Place, Stratford Upon Avon Review
Image by Marc Brenner
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Caution: This show explores the themes of: incest and has depictions of violence and death. This production also contains strong and discriminatory language, loud music, flashing lights, stage blood and gun shots.
Directed by Justin Audibert, Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director, this new and energetic play brings emotion, laughter and thought-provoking themes to The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon this Spring.
Driftwood is the first play written by Martina Laird. With timely themes and many layers to the plot I was interested to see how this production would captivate its audience and play out on stage in the modern day.
Lively songs being played on steel drums and waves wooshing across the Trinidadian sand meet guests on entry to the theatre and auditorium where they can soak up the atmosphere and get into the mood ahead of the play beginning.
Set in 1950s Trinidad, ALMA, an evening entertainment venue is run by Miss Pearl and her daughter Ruby. Played by Cat White, Ruby is in charge of serving guests drinks and taking care of deliveries but really she was made for music and dance as she sways and moves to the music in the bar.
An unexpected diamond in the rough arrives with a delivery and Ruby is intrigued and captivated by the new stranger on the island. Diamond, played by Martins Imhangbe (Bridgerton), has a lot of questions as he lingers around and tries to get to know Ruby and her mother Miss Pearl. Cat and Martins work well together as a duo as they get to know each other and reveal truths and trouble in Trinidad. Mangoes don’t fall far from the tree as Ruby’s actions and behaviour very often reflect those of her mother.
ALMA is owned by Englishman Mansion, played by Roger Ringrose, and his entrance along with his dialogue with Miss Pearl brings plenty of titters and laughs to the audience as the banter goes back and forth between the two characters. Ellen Thomas (Eastenders) plays Miss Pearl with vigour and quick wit and her moments with Mansion are particularly funny.
Music plays throughout the show on the radio, but I would have liked there to have been live music and dance within the production to provide the story with energy which would reflect island life in Trinidad and Tobago. I feel that the music could have become a character in itself if there was more of it.
Talent is abundant within this production and the actors work well together to provide the audience with an enlightened understanding of the period of time and family relationships that develop.
There is plenty of talent within the set design team too who have been led by Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey. The stage is mesmerisingly extendable and the detail of the props and the set add to the family dynamics.
This is a bold and lively period piece that explores alternative themes, perspectives and family relationships.
The RSC produces many productions each year that are not only Shakespeare plays. Looking ahead this year George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: The Mad King will perform in Stratford-upon-Avon from 20th July 2026. The Cherry Orchard starring Helen Hunt and Kenneth Branagh begins its run from 10th July 2026 and Middlemarch Parts 1 and 2 begin their run from 1st October 2026.
This production of Driftwood continues at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon until Saturday 30th May 2026.
★ ★ ★ ★
