Driftwood, ThickSkin Theatre Review

Driftwood production image. Photo by Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Written by Kirsty for Theatre and Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Driftwood, Tim Foley’s play of loss, love and find a place in the world, premiered in 2023, and the play directed by Elle While and Neil Bettles has returned for a wider UK tour. 

James Westphal and Jerome Yates play Mark and Tiny, two brothers who are navigating the death of their father and the rift that has developed between the brothers. Add in the idea of an urban legend, and a crumbling ex-Industrial town there is a perfect mix of pathos and laugh out loud moments.

Westphal and Yates have amazing chemistry as the brothers who are looking to find common ground, and deal with a shared traumatic event which changed the shape of both their lives. Jack Poole’s prop design is simple yet effective, Sarah Readman’s video design brings the limited set to life and helps document the passing of time and location. Lee Affen’s sound design is also simple yet incredibly effective; however at times the sound did overpower some of the dialogue. Charly Dunford’s lighting was incredibly atmospheric especially during the denouement of the play.

Whilst the story was incredibly moving, and there were many references which were incredibly relevant, including climate change, pollution and the impact of Brexit on ex-industrial towns, the unseen Mariner became an overused plot device and point of tension between the brothers. The closing scenes where the Mariner was “revealed” felt strangely underwhelming. 

One of the key themes of the play was the impact that grief and unresolved issues can negatively impact on a person’s mental health. This was especially powerful, as I feel that any discussion around young men’s mental health should be discussed much more widely. Yates portrayal of Tiny was truly heartbreaking and you were hoping that Tiny would come out the other side a happier and healthier person. Westphal as Mark was equally powerful, you see a man who has spent his adult life running away from his past but realises that he can’t run forever. You can’t help but root for both brothers to find their happily ever after wherever in the world it takes them.

Driftwood is a truly beautifully important piece of theatre which can create the perfect discussion point around the issues raised in the play. 

touring across the UK at various venues until 21 March 2025. Further information can be found on the ThickSkin Theatre website.

★ ★ ★ ★