Deep Blue Sea

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Opened 13 May 2008, closed 5 July 2008 at the Vaudeville Theatre in London

A major revival of Terence Rattigan's play The Deep Blue Sea in London starring Greta Scacchi and directed by Edward Hall.

In this powerful drama of passion versus loyalty, Hester Collyer, the daughter of a clergyman and wife of a judge is foundering in the closing stages of a hopeless affair. Freddie Page, her lover, a handsome but shallow ex-Battle of Britain pilot, is out of his depth in their relationship, overwhelmed by the strength of an emotion he is incapable of reciprocating.

"Rattigan at his best... Greta Scacchi is outstanding. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart is a triumph, Simon Williams... first class. Tim McMullan... a riveting performance" The Daily Express

When you're caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, the deep blue sea can sometimes look very inviting, according to the heroine of Terence Rattigan's 1952 study of obsession and the destructive power of love. Terrance Rattigan's powerful and intelligent drama is played out against the rapidly changing social background of post-war Britain. As the playwright unravels the lives of his intriguing and multi-faceted characters we see him at his emotive and engaging best.

"Greta Scacchi... shatteringly fine. Superb performances from Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Simon Williams and Tim McMullan. This is truly a great evening in the West End" The Daily Telegraph

The cast for The Deep Blue Sea in London features Greta Scacchi as 'Hester Collyer' along with Simon Williams as 'William Collyer', Dugald Bruce-Lockhart as 'Freddie Page' and Tim McMullan as 'Mr Miller'. Casting subject to change. The production, which comes to London following a short regional tour, is directed by Edward Hall with set design by Francis O'Connor, lighting by Peter Mumford, sound by Matt McKenzie and costume design by Estelle Butler.

"Devastating" The London Evening Standard

"Miss Scacchi's star turn in Sir Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea... is undoubtedly a woman who is, in terms of her professional career, coming into her prime. Hester Collyer is a peculiarly difficult part to play but Miss Scacchi brings her alive in a harrowing and emotionally draining performance that I reckon is the finest piece of acting I have seen in a decade... Miss Scacchi, with the seven other members of the cast, ably directed by Edward Hall, gets across all of Rattigan's subtleties with style and eloquence." The Sunday Telegraph (London - May 2008)

"Terence Rattigan's achievement is to show the nobility in Hester Collyer's desperate infatuation, not the mere folly, and Greta Scacchi's performance as Hester is well judged and affecting. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart is perfect as Freddie Page... and Tim McMullan hilariously stylised as the mysterious, caustic lodger, Mr Miller... Unfortunately, all this faithful acting and interpretation, in Edward Hall's production, only exposes Rattigan's well-known faults, as well as his virtues." The Sunday Times (London - May 2008)

"There have been more momentous plays... more influential plays... more intelligent, elegant and entertaining plays... yet for my money, the greatest and most moving British drama since the Second World War is Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea. As well as its overpowering emotional impact, this apparently small-scale domestic piece also offers an evocative picture of down-at-heel Britain in the early Fifties, and a potent account of the reserve and decency that were once such a strong part of the national character... Greta Scacchi is a revelation in a role that demands acting of the highest order... There will be no justice if this outstanding production of a modern masterpiece doesn't wind up in the West End." The Daily Telegraph (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford - March 2008)

"The repressive English morality and the stiff-lipped code of conduct that Hester defies may have slackened since Rattigan wrote the play. But the transgressive shock of Hester's attempted suicide, the incredulity with which it is met and the flagrant, all- consuming ferocity of her feelings remain shatteringly powerful in this fine revival, directed by Edward Hall and starring an incandescent Greta Scacchi." The Times (Richmond Theatre - March 2008)

"Edward Hall's production captures the brutal honesty of Rattigan's writing, but it misses the delicacy. Simon Williams is superb as the abandoned husband. He is a grizzled old sea lion - sleek but wounded. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart has his moments as Freddie, the hero who won the war but is losing the peace to the bottle. But much of the acting rides rough-shod over the subtle writing. This play makes noise quietly and that is why it is so emotionally lethal. Spell it all out and it loses its power." The Guardian (Richmond Theatre - March 2008)