Known for her on-screen roles in EastEnders and Teachers, Ellen Thomas makes her RSC debut as Pearl. Her theatre credits include The Wife of Willesden (Kiln Theatre); Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (Almeida Theatre); and Fuente Ovejuna (National Theatre). On television, her work includes EastEnders, Death in Paradise, Humans, Outnumbered and Casualty. Her film credits include Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, Johnny English Reborn and Breaking and Entering. She is also the voice of Ambessa in the Netflix series Arcane. ‘dis is my home. My whole life. My history here. And de only future I go have is here.’
Heat is rising in colonial Trinidad. While support for political independence is growing, a downtown Port of Spain gentlemen’s club is about to be entangled in a custody battle of its own.
ALMA promises guests a welcome escape from the bustle of the capital. Owned by Englishman Mansion, governed by Pearl and coveted by her beguiling daughter Ruby – each with their own business plan in mind.
An unexpected stranger – Diamond – carries in a rum delivery, bringing with him a familial revelation and a pursuit for wealth. His deal with a corrupt US Marine imperils ALMA, and all who call it home. One wrong move and everything could shatter, but who will play the right game?
The first play from Martina Laird, directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Artistic Director Justin Audibert, Driftwood is a high-stakes drama of power, passion and danger.
Cast: Shane David-Joseph (Seldom); Ziggy Heath (Tom); Martins Imhangbe (Diamond); Roger Ringrose (Mansion); Ellen Thomas (Pearl); and Cat White (Ruby).
Creative Team: Director Justin Audibert; Set and Costume Designer Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey; Lighting Designer Simon Spencer; Composer Christella Litras; Sound Designer Tony Gayle; Movement Director Kloé Dean; Dramaturg Sebastian Born; Casting Director Matthew Dewsbury CDG.
17 Apr – 30 May | Royal Shakespeare Company | see listing
3 June – 4 July 2026 | Kiln Theatre | see listing
