Deep Blue Sea

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.

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.

The cast for The Deep Blue Sea in London features Greta Scacchi as 'Hester Collyer' along with Simon Williams, Dugald Bruce Lockhart and Tim McMullan. Casting subject to change. The production, which comes to London following a short regional tour, is directed by Edward Hall.

"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

"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

"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