Following the success of the 2014 production of MEDEA, actress Helen McCrory and director Carrie Cracknel return to The National Theatre with Terrence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Inspired by real life events Rattigan’s masterpiece examines the conflict between desire and love and despite being written over 60 years ago is still a relevant and moving story.The play opens with Hester (Helen McCrory) found unconscious in her apartment by her landlady and neighbours. As we find out she has attempted to commit suicide for the relationship between her and an ex-RAF pilot Freddie Page (Tom Burke) for whom she left her husband Judge William Collyer (Peter Sullivan) is far from idyllic.
The production’s main strength is the acting. Helen McCrory once more proves that she is one of the best actresses of her generation. Her Hester is a multidimensional character full of conflict; when alone she moves around her apartment with a fragile and resigned spirit, yet in the presence of Freddie she is passionate and alive. Tom Burke whose charming Freddie not only evokes empathy but reminds us of the still present issue of male emotional repression is also superb. It would be unfair not to mention Nick Fletcher’s performance as Dr Miller, whose directness and foreign spirit seem like a breath of fresh air in the dusty and nostalgic world of food rations and post war gloom.
Carrie Cracknel’s take on Rattigan’s masterpiece seems to be suspended in time, as she pulls the focus towards the relationship between the characters, not so much the period they live in. This directorial choice creates a captivating portrait of love, asking universal questions about love and desire and quite often reminds us about the unchanging nature of humankind.
Both captivating and atmospheric. Not to be missed!
Tom Scutt’s design of a grey apartment building with see-through walls brings us closer to Hester’s tragedy, for even in her despair she cannot escape the world she lives in and what is more she is bound by her gender and social status.
The National Theatre’s production of THE DEEP BLUE SEA is both captivating and atmospheric. With McCrory’s outstanding performance and the rest of the talented actors Carrie Cracknel not only does justice to Rattigan’s beautiful and haunting writing but also asks important questions about female sexuality. Not to be missed!
Before it even starts this production of the GO BETWEEN is a significant moment, it’s the rare arrival of a new musical in the West End. Its chances of survival are considerably boosted by the involvement of producer, Bill Kenwright who we probably have to thank for the casting of musical theatre mega-star Michael Crawford (The original Phantom)