Don’t Knock the Dock

A love letter to a hometown It’s July 1980. Simon and Gary are fresh out of school and looking for work. Punk is making way for Electropop. Maggie rules the waves. And short, sharp shocks are just around the corner. What do you do if you’re sixteen, you live in Felixstowe and you’re allergic to school? Go down the Dock! Simon has seen a nice suit in his mum’s catalogue and fancies himself behind a desk. So, he starts writing letters. Hundreds of letters. Gary’s family all work down the Dock. Generation after generation. His Grandad was the best crane driver on the Port…according to his Grandad. Gary has other dreams and Katie Dunnett seems to be a recurring character. But docks are just for boys. There are these schemes for women ‘returners’ and Simon’s mum Angie might just be planning a big return of her own! “A funny and heartfelt story of friendship, ambition, family and identity.” Audience member Don’t Knock The Dock is created by Suffolk-based writer and theatre producer, Karen Goddard who grew-up in Felixstowe during the 1980s. This play is inspired by her interviews with people who have worked at the Port over the last fifty years. The project includes theatre performances across Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex, school and reminiscence workshops and a travelling photo exhibition. Don’t Knock The Dock is supported by Arts Council England, Suffolk County Council, Norfolk County Council, Eastern Angles, New Heritage Solutions & the Retired Felixstowe Dockworkers Association.