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The Shark Is Broken in London
This fantastically funny show is a sell-out, smash hit fresh from the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It transfers to the West End for a strictly limited run and it covers the action behind the scenes at one of the world's best-loved horror movies, Jaws. If you were one of the millions of viewers who were scared to use the loo or have a bath for months after watching the film, you're going to love this!
What's the plot of The Shark Is Broken?
Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon and directed by Guy Masterson, The Shark Is Broken whisks you behind the scenes of the iconic horror movie that terrified a generation. The results is a very funny yet moving new play that imagines what took place on board the famous boat, The Orca, once the cameras stopped filming. Co-writer Ian Shaw plays his own dad, Robert Shaw, whose crazy character, the shark hunter Quint, more or less made the movie.
As Ian Shaw himself says, "I first watched 'Jaws' when I was about eight. I loved it, even though it terrified me! Like many others, sharks inhabited my dreams, and swimming was off the menu. Over forty years later, the prospect of playing my father in a play that Joseph and I wrote, and bringing to light the off-screen intrigue and comedy that went into the making of a masterpiece, is a unique and very special one."
Producer Sonia Freedman agrees: “Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon deliver a hilarious and uniquely personal perspective on one of the most legendary moments in film history, bringing three Hollywood icons to life onstage. Hysterically funny and oddly profound, 'The Shark Is Broken' is the sort of unexpected gem you only find at the Edinburgh Fringe, and I cannot wait to share it with West End audiences - at last!"
Who is The Shark Is Broken for?
The Shark Is Broken is perfect for anyone old enough to enjoy adult humour, and absolutely brilliant fun for everyone who has seen and loved the 1975 film that made the book's author Peter Benchley so famous.
Buy tickets for The Shark Is Broken
Our website makes buying tickets for The Shark Is Broken simple and enjoyable. We'll email your tickets to you so you can simply present them at the door on the big day. We hope you enjoy this wonderful quirky play, packed with affectionate humour.
The Shark Is Broken Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Ambassadors Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for The Shark Is Broken tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for The Shark Is Broken has never been easier.
The Shark Is Broken Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Sunday, 13 February 2022
- Running time:
1 hour 10 minutes (No Interval)
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to The Shark Is Broken are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
The Shark Is Broken cheap tickets
We have a great selection of cheap The Shark Is Broken tickets. We can help you save up to 70% on The Shark Is Broken tickets! If you're looking for discount theatre tickets have a look below for our latest offers for The Shark Is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre.
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The Shark Is Broken reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Couples (85%)
- Theatregoers (90%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing The Shark Is Broken.
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of The Shark Is Broken.
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An excellent showVery cleverly done, superb acting
N Reviewed on 08 February 2022 by Neil
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
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Character portrayal is greatI love Jaws the movie and the actors reflected their characters very well- however I felt it was 10 minutes too long.
J Reviewed on 03 February 2022 by Jane
Harrow, United Kingdom
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Ian Shaw is amazing!!!A Reviewed on 24 January 2022 by Adam Jude
Beckenham, United Kingdom
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A funny and engaging playThe set was really striking and the play was extremely witty and very well-acted. We’re so pleased we got to see it.
E Reviewed on 20 January 2022 by Elizabeth
London, United Kingdom
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DifferentI think the story was interesting take on how the actors we’re together in between scenes under different circumstance’s during filming. If you weren’t aware of the film and the stories behind it you probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it. I thought Ian shaw was excellent if is dad was looking down he would have been proud. The other actors were excellent as well. If your a jaws fan I would recommend watching it. But maybe do a bit of research first.
M Reviewed on 15 January 2022 by Matthew
Blackpool, United Kingdom
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BrilliantHaving grown up in Southern California around industry people, the behind the scenes stories were always the best. This show let's everyone in to that very private world of "behind the scenes".
G Reviewed on 13 January 2022 by Gary
Firies, Ireland
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I had read only good things about `The Shark is Broken' and it did not disappoint. Great for fans of both Jaws and 'the movies' but also an insightful(and very funny at times) dissection of fatherhood, family and fame. While all three actors were great, Ian Shaw has to be singled out for the portrayal of his father, Robert. Wholeheartedly recommended.
R Reviewed on 13 January 2022 by Rachel
London, United Kingdom
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Fabulous!I am an avid Jaws fan, I cannot count the number of times I’ve seen it so I knew anything relating to it would be up my street. Brilliantly acted by the 3 on stage, and Ian’s resemblance to his father as Quint is uncanny. An insightful and different perspective on this much loved film and I’d urge anyone who is familiar with Jaws to see it.
C Reviewed on 08 January 2022 by Carly
London, United Kingdom
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Beautifully written and acted.Thoroughly enjoyed this original and inciteful play. It is so carefully observed and touching in its observation. The characterisation was enthralling. Shaw manages to keep the audience engaged in the hilarious and brutally honest exchanges on board the Orca. You don’t need to know the history behind this story but if you don’t you will definitely leave the performance wanting to know more. This is a masterpiece. I loved it.
A Reviewed on 30 December 2021 by Ann
Alcester, United Kingdom
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ExceptionalK Reviewed on 23 December 2021 by Katherine
Mistley, United Kingdom
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BoringTerrible acting and boring story, I hated it
P Reviewed on 22 December 2021 by Philip
London, United Kingdom
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Brilliantly funnyAbsolutely brilliant show, very funny and Will Harrison-Wallace played a blinder as understudy to Ian Shaw in his absence. Highly recommend.
J Reviewed on 05 December 2021 by Julie
Wrexham, United Kingdom
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Very entertaining and well acted,it helps to have a knowledge of the jaws film to fully appreciate this production, but not essential.
J Reviewed on 04 December 2021 by Jon
Stevenage, United Kingdom
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Bland not funny..but my wife enjoyed it.Not funny, sometimes poignant, good actors but a bland script.
E Reviewed on 30 November 2021 by Ed
Washington, United Kingdom
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RubbishR Reviewed on 29 November 2021 by Rachael
London, United Kingdom
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Really enjoy the play. Amazed Jaws ever got finished.
A Reviewed on 27 November 2021 by Andrew
Leicester, United Kingdom
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Clever well written storylineI thought this play was excellent. how clever to come up with this idea. Actors were great and Ian Shaw's representation of Robert Shaw was excellent. It brought back memories of other times I had seen him in the past. Scenery was awesome.
C Reviewed on 26 November 2021 by Caroline
Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
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AmazingS Reviewed on 25 November 2021 by Steve
Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Jaw-some!Really excellent play and superbly acted by the three leads
T Reviewed on 22 November 2021 by Tom
London, United Kingdom
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ExcellentIf you love Jaws you will love it
E Reviewed on 20 November 2021 by Ellie
London, United Kingdom
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BrilliantAny jaws fan needs to see this
K Reviewed on 20 November 2021 by Kim
Basildon, United Kingdom
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Nostalgic fun!Good fun and great acting! If you’re a fan of the movie “Jaws”, this is a must see!!
G Reviewed on 18 November 2021 by Gabrielle
Paris, France
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A must for all Jaws fansLoved it. Acting excellent. Script funny. A must for Jaws fans young and old. I know it’s been said but as soon as Ian Shaw speaks you think of his father and you’re transported back to 1975. Well done
L Reviewed on 10 November 2021 by Lynn
Crayford, United Kingdom
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A feast for theatre loversIf you love theatre, and you love film, “The Shark is Broken” is, simply, flawless. Impeccable direction, performances and technologically perfect. An absolute treat from start to finish.
F Reviewed on 06 November 2021 by Fraser
Northampton, United Kingdom
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11/19Brilliantly excellent production
M Reviewed on 04 November 2021 by Michael
Ballyhaunis, Ireland
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A comic yet sensitive portrayal of human relationships across the generational divide. Great atmosphere, lovely staff and clean theatre, great seats and acoustics.
S Reviewed on 03 November 2021 by Sarah
Surrey, United Kingdom
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Standing ovationAs regular theatre/cinema attendees this show ticked all the boxes. We actually stood up to applaud…. A rare occurrence, Funny, interesting and attention grabbing. The actors were superb. Actually going to get a group of friends together to go see this. Best thing we have seen in ages
M Reviewed on 01 November 2021 by Marie
London, United Kingdom
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Good, fun.Didn't know what to expect, fun fast moving, and Shaw would make his dad so proud I'm sure.
A Reviewed on 30 October 2021 by Angelo
Harlow, United Kingdom
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Just see if your 40 ishIt was insightful, funny and great to watch ,engaging and entertaining. We went to our hotel and watched the movie
M Reviewed on 30 October 2021 by Martin
Chesterfield, United Kingdom
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Love jaws love thisA fantastic play. Superb cast superb writing superb set.
A Reviewed on 26 October 2021 by Adrian
London, United Kingdom
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A must see for jaws fans.Brilliant story ,acting and casting , ian shaw is sensational as his dad. The two supporting actors are excellent as well . A great afternoon( we went to the matinee) was had by all.
M Reviewed on 22 October 2021 by Michael
Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
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BrilliantCame across the show whilst looking for something different to see in the West End. Was not disappointed. Being a fan of Jaws I was intrigued to find how they would stage it and to see the dynamic between the three actors. I thought I was watching Robert Shaw. Excellent show. Would go again.
M Reviewed on 20 October 2021 by Mike
Llanelli, United Kingdom
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A worthwhile visit!Very efficient informative staff ensuring we had a relatively strews free entry and seating in the theatre. Fantastic production with top notch believable actors holding our attention through comedy and drama for the whole 1.30 hrs. Thoroughly recommend it.
N Reviewed on 19 October 2021 by Nicola
Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
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It’s got biteS Reviewed on 12 October 2021 by Simon
Stoke-sub-hamdon, United Kingdom
2022
Your last chance to see The Shark Is Broken!
by London Box Office | Friday, January 14 2022, 10:10
There’s just a month left to go before the critically acclaimed The Shark is Broken finishes its extended run at the Ambassadors Theatre. The production made waves from the start, in October 2021, and the fun ends on 13th February 2022. If you’re looking for a funny production based on real life with a touching side, this one’s for you. The year is 1974. The location is Martha’s Vineyard. And the stars of the show are drunk. What’s the worst that can happen?
2021
The Shark Is Broken extends until 13th February 2022
by London Box Office | Wednesday, November 10 2021, 19:12
You know for sure a show's going to be an epic experience when it extends its run. That's what's happened to The Shark Is Broken, a touching yet hilarious play taking you behind the scenes during the filming of one of the world's best-loved horror movies, Jaws. Due to popular demand the play is extending until 13th February 2022 at the Ambassadors Theatre, and tickets are on sale now.
2021
The Shark is Broken – Inspiring new production images!
by London Box Office | Monday, October 25 2021, 21:13
It is hilariously funny. But this play is also touching, a moving story created by the 'Jaws' star Robert Shaw's son Ian Shaw, along with Joseph Nixon. This is a commemoration of the characters involved in the killer shark-inspired smash hit horror film that changed the world as we know it. And we have some great production images to inspire you, fresh from this week's press performances.
2021
Review: THE SHARK IS BROKEN at the Ambassadors Theatre
by Miriam Gibson | Thursday, October 14 2021, 19:53
When Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon’s play premiered in Edinburgh in 2019, the concept- three people stuck for weeks in a confined space, gnawing on each other’s nerves, battling boredom, and gradually losing their marbles- probably had less resonance than it does now.
2021
Review: THE SHARK IS BROKEN at the Ambassadors Theatre
by Stuart King | Thursday, October 14 2021, 08:24
The Shark is Broken seems an unlikely title for a West End play, but context is everything in Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon's exposé of the notorious 1974 Cape Cod shooting schedule for Spielberg's blockbuster Jaws.
2021
THE SHARK IS BROKEN – 2021 West End Transfer Announced
by London Box Office | Tuesday, June 29 2021, 15:38
Update for The Shark is Broken at the Ambassadors Theatre
It's written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon and directed by Guy Masterson. It's a fantastic sell-out smash hit from 2019's Edinburgh Festival Fringe. It whisks audiences behind the scenes of the iconic scary movie Jaws, a 'brilliantly funny and deeply moving' new play that re-imagines the events on board The Orca when the cameras stopped rolling. The Shark is Broken opens at the Ambassadors Theatre for a strictly limited season, running from 9th October 2021 to 15th January 2022.
THE SHARK IS BROKEN – 2021 West End Transfer Announced2020
A Fun and Fishy West End Play Goes on Sale Today
by Phil Willmott | Saturday, February 8 2020, 18:55
The Ambassadors Theatre used to be unavailable to producers whilst the percussive dance musical STOMP was in residence for years. Although that was a wonderful show it's good news for London theatre goers that they vacated the venue because if frees up one of the West Ends smallest venues for a series of fascinating and enticing productions that wouldn’t be able to fill one of the bigger more expensive buildings.
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