Closure of the Chatham Dockyard is the theme of a new touring play

The Historic Dockyard has announced the launch and opening night of a brand new touring play about the closure of the Royal Chatham Dockyard.

‘This Wounded Island’ is created by local theatre company Anything Other Theatre Company written by Kent based playwright Natalie Mitchell and presented as part of Paint the Town Festival.

A love story, and a love letter to Chatham; the play explores the themes of identity, place and belonging, inspired by stories from the Kent

The play was created over the last year through workshops with the Dockyard’s volunteers who were ex Dockyard apprentices, as well as Age UK and local residents.  The Dockyard’s collections team directed the writer and director to relevant documents in The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s archives to inform the writing.  The play examines the personal impact of a post-industrial Britain, taking in social, political and economic realities faced by millions across the country.  Through one couple, it explores what happens when your identity is closely tied to a job and place, and the consequences of losing them.

The play takes place at the Historic Dockyard on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd May at 7.30 pm in the Mess Deck.  For more information and to purchase tickets click here.