Theatre has long held the power to inspire action, evoke empathy, and shine a light on the injustices of the world. Afloat, the latest production from the socially driven theatre company of the same name does exactly that—delivering a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of the asylum system in the UK.
Performed at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre over two nights (May 23rd and 24th), Afloat seamlessly blends traditional theatrical storytelling with striking physical theatre and evocative music, creating an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the final scene. Helmed by director Phoebe McSweeney, this production was collaboratively devised through workshops involving asylum seekers, volunteers, and advocates—ensuring authenticity and emotional depth in every performance.
A Story That Cuts Deep
Set within a dystopian interpretation of a fictional city, Afloat follows the fraught relationship between Angela, a right-wing Grey Party political candidate, and Sam, a community worker supporting asylum seekers. The skilled performances of Frankie Gold (Angela) whose performance bore an uncanny resemblance to Margaret Thatcher and Eva Gaynor-Smith (Sam) bring these characters to life with raw honesty, illuminating the tensions, misunderstandings, and political contradictions that plague immigration discourse.
However, Afloat does not merely rest on the shoulders of its lead actors. The ensemble, composed of members from Asylum Link Merseyside and volunteers, delivers a powerful presence—amplifying the voices of those who have experienced the asylum process firsthand. Their collective storytelling reaches a crescendo in moments where they physically and vocally illustrate the struggles of asylum seekers caught in an endless bureaucratic limbo.
Atmosphere Through Sound and Movement
Music and movement serve as the backbone of Afloat, elevating its emotional impact beyond spoken words. George Jenkins’ haunting compositions underscore pivotal scenes, creating a sonic landscape that resonates through the theatre space. Meanwhile, choreographed physical theatre communicates themes of isolation, struggle, and resilience, demonstrating the power of movement as a universal language.
With a multinational cast, this creative choice proved to be a masterstroke—allowing participants to express themselves without the constraints of a single language. In fact, the production team provide audience members with a Caption App enabling them to follow the dialogue regardless of their native tongue. The result is a theatrical experience that is as visually captivating as it is emotionally stirring.
A Harrowing Yet Hopeful Narrative
While Afloat does not shy away from the realities of asylum seekers—war, displacement, uncertainty—it does offer glimmers of hope. Moments of compassion and solidarity shine through, reminding audiences of the human capacity for empathy and understanding.
As the production concludes with the hopeful imagery of a rising sun, the audience is left with much to reflect on. The final moments serve as both a metaphorical and literal message of optimism: change is possible, but only if people choose to listen, act, and empathize.
Final Thoughts
With a running time of 70 minutes followed by a post-show Q&A, Afloat is more than a performance—it is an experience that fosters discussion, ignites awareness, and urges audiences to think critically about the asylum system. This production is not only an artistic triumph but a necessary and urgent piece of theatre. A must-watch for audiences seeking socially conscious and emotionally resonant storytelling. Afloat delivers a heart-wrenching yet hopeful performance that demands attention and action. This became apparent when the cast received a standing ovation at the end of the performance with some audience members in tears.
Reviewer: Kevin Eccleston
Reviewed: 23rd May 2025
North West End UK Rating: