Dundee Rep Theatre, Tron Theatre and Traverse Theatre have announced the world premiere of The Ferry, a new play by acclaimed Scottish playwright Linda McLean inspired by an original idea by Paul Rattray and directed by Tron Theatre Artistic Director Jemima Levick .
The Ferry explores what happens when opportunity comes with a price, and when the line between being looked after and being controlled becomes dangerously blurred.
It explores family, grief, exploitation and at its heart is the relationship between care and control, and the ways vulnerability can be exploited under the guise of opportunity and support.
Paul Rattray said “This story is particular to Dundee. Its voice, its spirit, its energy and its people will be known to local audiences. However the story is also one which reaches out of Dundee, across Scotland, the UK. So while the play’s soul is of Dundee, its story resonates beyond.
It is also a national story about the devastation that is happening to young people and communities and neighbours throughout the country. In a post-industrial landscape, what use is youth?”
Fifteen years old, newly orphaned, and trying to keep his head above water, Freddy is offered a job and a train ticket from Glasgow to Dundee from a new acquaintance, Chris. At the end of the line is Broughty Ferry, a place his mum always spoke about, somewhere life might have been different. Darren is a recovering heroin user caring for his dad Rab, whose dementia is getting worse, while his aunt June is doing what she can to look out for them. When Freddy arrives, their lives are pulled together and the world around them starts to close in.
Playwright Linda McLean said “There is a staggering number of vulnerable young boys, some not even teenagers, who are being lured into criminal gangs by unscrupulous men who tempt them with smart clothes, fast money, and membership of an elite gang. However, once inside this closely-knit criminal network, they find it well-nigh impossible to escape.
I grew up in the kind of housing schemes where this is happening, so when I was made aware of the scale of this problem, I felt passionately about bringing it to light.”
Accompanying the production will be a programme of outreach activity, engaging with young people and communities within each of the touring cities
Tickets are now on sale for tour dates:
Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee
9th – 20th February
Previews: Sat 6th February – Wed 10th February
https://dundeerep.co.uk/events/the-ferry
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
23rd February – 6th March 2027
www.tron.co.uk/shows/the-ferry/
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
9th – 20th March 2027
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on
Irene Brown
