Photos (c) Roswitha Chesher

‘quite unlike anything you’re likely to have seen before’….’If the show pulls few punches, its dominant spirit is nevertheless one of optimism, its unshakeable warmth of spirit all-conquering. The crowd was rapt throughout’

Mark Monahan, The Telegraph

Nominated for ‘Community award’ at The Stage Awards 2025

Director : Nancy Hirst

Co- Direction & Choreography : Chloe Dean & Amina Khyyam

Set and Costume Designer: Sarah Booth

Lighting Designer: Callum Macdonald

Projection Designer: Matt Powell

Costume Supervisor: Evelien Coleman

A collaboration betweeen Icon Theatre and Hip Hop dance company ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company with powerful Kathak from Amina Khayyam Dance Company, original live music, and the choral power of a monumental community ensemble.   

Ghost Ships explores the waters that connect past with present, borders with belonging, and people with place, looking at the impact of Chatham Dockyard from its involvement in slavery and abolition to the loss and legacy of its 1984 closure and beyond. 

Inspired by newly uncovered research from people working at the Dockyard in its final days, Ghost Ships was made with the communities of Chatham and featured an ensemble of over 150 young people, residents and professional dancers performing together live on stage.