Fishlake Play at Cast Doncaster Tells Story of 2019 Floods and Community Resilience

Sometimes, a story is so big and so important that it has to be told on a stage. That's exactly what's happening with the story of Fishlake, a village that faced unbelievable devastation during the floods of 2019. Now, a powerful new play is bringing the real-life experiences of the villagers to audiences, reminding everyone of the incredible community spirit that shone through a dark time.

The play, aptly named 'Fishlake', isn't just an ordinary theatre production; it's a tribute, a memorial, and a celebration of human resilience, set to take centre stage at Cast in Doncaster during Flood Action Week.

What the 'Fishlake' play is all about

This isn't a story someone made up. The 'Fishlake' play is built from the true words and testimonies of the very villagers who lived through the disaster. The events of 2019 were traumatic, with homes and lives turned upside down by the rising waters. This production takes those raw, emotional experiences and shares them through a combination of professional actors and a live musician. But what makes these performances truly special is the involvement of a community choir.

This isn't just any choir; it's made up of residents from Fishlake and nearby communities, people who understand the story better than anyone. They perform five original songs written specifically for the show, adding a layer of authenticity that is impossible to fake. And for anyone who can't wait, these moving original songs are already available to listen to on Spotify. The story of the floods is one of loss, but it's also one of incredible strength. This play captures both sides of that coin. The aim is to show what happens when a community is pushed to its limits and how people find the strength to carry on. It's a poignant tale that highlights the ever-present flood risk many communities face.

More than just a performance

The timing of the performances at Cast in Doncaster couldn't be more fitting. They are scheduled for Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October 2025, right in the middle of Flood Action Week (13 to 19 October). This national week is all about raising awareness of flood risk and making sure people are prepared. Having the 'Fishlake' play as a centrepiece makes the message even more powerful. It turns statistics and warnings into a human story everyone can connect with. Several important groups will be there to support the performances. These organisations are on the front line of tackling floods and supporting those affected.

• Connected by Water: This is a partnership in South Yorkshire that works on ways to handle flood risk and improve climate resilience. Basically, they are looking at how to protect the region from future floods, which is super important as weather patterns change.
• Flooded People: A national group that gives a voice to people who have been through flooding. They offer support and speak up for communities like Fishlake to make sure their experiences lead to real change.
• Stainforth4All: A local community group that provided massive practical help to Fishlake when the floods hit. They are a brilliant example of neighbours helping neighbours.

These groups highlight that the issues raised in the play are still very real today. The conversation around climate resilience and managing flood risk is ongoing, and the story of Fishlake is a vital part of that discussion.

The heroes of the story

When disaster strikes, you often see the best of people. The 2019 floods were no exception. The Fire & Rescue workers who came from all over the country to help the villagers of Fishlake were true heroes, working tirelessly in dangerous conditions. Their contribution is a key part of the community's story of survival and support. And then there are the unexpected heroes. The play shines a light on some incredible acts of kindness, none more memorable than that of Ian Willis.

When he heard about the floods from his home in South Wales, Ian Willis decided he had to do something. He filled his small car to the brim with Quality Street chocolates-so many that they were spilling out of the doors-and drove hundreds of miles to Fishlake. His goal was simple: to bring a little bit of joy to people who had lost so much. This incredible act of kindness has been immortalised in one of the play's original songs, where he is affectionately remembered as "our Welsh Willy Wonka". It's a perfect example of how one person's kindness can make a huge difference.

Seeing is believing: the photography exhibition

Alongside the play, Cast is also hosting a parallel exhibition of photographs. Open until 17 October, this exhibition offers a visual journey into the heart of the floods and their aftermath. The most powerful thing about this display is that the photographs were taken by the villagers themselves.

These aren't polished, professional shots; they are raw, real-time pictures capturing the shock, the damage, and the slow process of recovery. The images show both the trauma of the event and the amazing resilience of the Fishlake community. Looking at these photographs provides a deeper context for the play, allowing people to see the reality behind the stories being told on stage. This combination of live performance and a visual exhibition makes the whole experience even more impactful. It's a full-circle story of a community's journey through disaster, told in their own words and through their own eyes.

How to see the performances

The story of Fishlake is touring, giving more people a chance to see this incredible production.

Venue	Date
Cast, Doncaster	16 & 17 October 2025
Rotherham Civic	28 October 2025
Theatre Royal Wakefield	30 October 2025

Each performance is an opportunity to witness a story of hardship, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of a community. It's a reminder of the 2019 floods but also a testament to the power of people coming together.