Bessie, Alice, and Margaret have two things in common: they are married to George Joseph Smith, and they are dead. Surfacing from the bathtubs they were drowned in, the three breathless brides gather evidence against their womanizing, murderous husband by reliving the shocking events leading up to their deaths. Reflecting on the misconceptions of love, married life, and the not-so-happily ever after, The Drowning Girls is both a breathtaking fantasia and a social critique, full of rich images, a myriad of characters, and lyrical language.

Production history

Premiered at 2008 Alberta Theatre Projects Playwrites Festival

National tour (Tarragon Theatre, Belfry Theatre, Gateway Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Persephone Theatre) 

Awards and Press

Sterling Awards, Betty Mitchell Awards, Saskatoon and Area Theatre Awards

“The imaginative depth of The Drowning Girls is enough to take your breath away.” Bob Clark, Calgary Herald 

“the story as seductive as it is diabolical” Pat Launer, Times of San Diego 

“haunting yet joyful” Jeff DeDekker, Regina Leader Post 

For licensing inquiries contact Colin Rivers at Marquis Entertainment - colin@MQent.ca

The Drowning Girls playscript available at Playwrights Canada Press