Submariners

Synopsis

HMS Superior, off the coast of Faslane, Scotland, 1983.

AB Seaman ‘Cock’ Roach, mascara-wearing and ever so charming, thrives in the tight, cloistered world of a Polaris submarine. On a routine six-week patrol, Roach’s cross-dressing antics and cunning manoeuvres upend naval hierarchies, creating a microcosm of tension and unexpected camaraderie. As the submarine’s crew navigates the intense, pressure-cooker environment, their eccentricities and hidden desires bubble to the surface, resulting in a blend of humour and drama.

Submariners by Tom McClenaghan is a vivid exploration of sexuality, identity, and military life. The play’s near-farcical tone interlaces with dark comedy, presenting a unique narrative that oscillates between absurdity and gravity. This character-driven story utilises the submarine’s confined setting to amplify the personal and social themes, making it a captivating piece that challenges and entertains.