- Venue Kiln Theatre, London
- Performance dates Booking to 4 July 2026
- Running time 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
Driftwood at Kiln Theatre London
Experience the London premiere of Driftwood, the powerful debut play by Martina Laird, transferring from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Other Place to Kiln Theatre for a strictly limited season from 3 June to 4 July 2026.
Set in 1950s colonial Trinidad on the cusp of independence, Driftwood immerses audiences in a world of shifting loyalties, love, and survival. Inside ALMA, a gentlemen’s club in Port of Spain, lives are thrown into turmoil when Diamond’s reckless deal with a US Marine threatens to shatter everything.
Directed by Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, Driftwood is an evocative story of self-determination and the search for belonging. With set and costume design by Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey, the production brings to life a richly textured world of resilience and hope.
Don’t miss this landmark collaboration between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Kiln Theatre. Book your tickets now for one of London’s most anticipated new plays of 2026.
Book Tickets
Get your Driftwood tickets today and experience this extraordinary new play at the Kiln Theatre, London.
What is Driftwood about?
dis is my home. My whole life.
My history here. And de only future I go have is here.’
As colonial Trinidad advances towards political independence, a downtown Port of Spain gentlemen’s club becomes entangled in a different kind of custody battle.
ALMA promises its guests a comfortable environment to relax and indulge. Owned by Englishman Mansion, it’s governed by Pearl and coveted by beguiling Ruby.
Then Diamond drifts in. His impetuous deal with a corrupt US Marine imperils ALMA, and all their lives are collateral damage. One wrong move and everything could shatter.
Why Book Driftwood Tickets?
- The London premiere of a brand-new Royal Shakespeare Company production.
- A hugely talented cast includes EastEnders and Teachers star Ellen Thomas, and Best Actress award winner Cat White (Cannes Film Festival Diversity in Cannes Awards)
- Written by acclaimed actor and writer Martina Laird (RSC, Globe, Donmar).
- Directed by Justin Audibert, Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre.
- A moving exploration of identity, family, and political change in post-colonial Trinidad.
Photos
Performance Information
Check booking calendar for full details
- Evenings
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Matinees
- Wednesday
- Saturday
- Group Bookings For groups of 10+ enquire here
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of Driftwood?
Starring:
- Ellen Thomas as Pearl
- Cat White as Ruby
- Shane David-Joseph as Seldom
- Ziggy Heath as Tom
- Martins Imhangbe as Diamond
- Roger Ringrose as Mansion
Who are the creative team of Driftwood?
- Written by Martina Laird
- Directed by Justin Audibert
- Set and Costume Design by Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey
- Lighting Design by Simon Spencer
- Composer Christella Litras
- Sound Design by Tony Gayle
- Movement Director Kloé Dean
- Dramaturg Sebastian Born
- Casting Director Matthew Dewsbury CDG
Venue Information
Kiln Theatre , 269 Kilburn High Road, London, NW6 7JR
Nearest Tube or Train: Kilburn (Jubilee line) / Brondesbury rail station
Nearest Buses: 16, 32, 189, 332, 632
Google
AppleCritics' reviews of Driftwood
● "An atmospheric Caribbean drama" - The Times
● "Driftwood is steeped in atmosphere" - The Guardian
● "Wonderfully vibrant characters full of depth and spark" - Financial Times
● "Riveting" - What's On Stage
● "A fascinating melting pot of people and ideas" - The Stage
Frequently Asked Questions
News about Driftwood
First look photos: Driftwood at The Kiln Theatre in London
More Great Shows
