CONVICTED as the ringleader of the biggest drug smuggle in British history, and now released from prison, Jamie Green is ready to answer questions from the public.

As one of the Freshwater Five, he has always protested his innocence.

Speaking publicly about the case for the first time in more than ten years, Green, who was the skipper of the Galwad-y-Mor, will appear in a post-show Q&A at Quay Arts for the Island run of The Freshwater Five play.

The event is on Thursday, March 2.

Isle of Wight County Press: Liam Patrick Harrison and Samuel Bossman at Quay Arts in picture by Charlie Price.Liam Patrick Harrison and Samuel Bossman at Quay Arts in picture by Charlie Price. (Image: Charlie Price)

Award-winning production company Deadman, under artistic director Samuel Bossman, is taking the full production of The Freshwater Five on tour.

Inspired by the Guardian Today in Focus six-part podcast mini-series, Island-born creative duo Samuel Bossman and playwright Liam Patrick Harrison were astonished to discover that the biggest drug bust in British history took place right next to the beach where they learned to swim.

The research and development process and performances brought them into contact with the men’s legal champion Emily Bolton, founder of Appeal, family members of the accused, and the single dissenting juror from the original trial.

The play is on for a five night run from February 27 to March 3.

Samuel said: “As a proud IOWer, I was blown away by the incredible reaction to our research and development phase and performances of The Freshwater Five.

"Growing up here I always felt like there was a lack of outlets and pathways for young people and theatre creatives, and that audiences were not getting the benefit of new, exciting theatre.

"As a creative team we feel privileged to be able to tell important, timely Island narratives - and hope the next stage of this project continues to bring communities together as well as champion the story of the men of the Freshwater Five, their families and friends who continue to fight for justice.”

The play tells the story of the five men (Jamie Green, Jon Beere, Zoran Dresic, Daniel Payne and Scott Birtwistle) who were sentenced to a total of 104 years for conspiracy to import £53 million worth of cocaine.

They have always professed their innocence.

The play is a regional project funded by Arts Council England, The Mike Howley Trust and Farnham Maltings Working Class Artists Fund.

Local cultural partners include, Quay Arts, The Island Collection and The Isle of Wight Creative Network.