Though being a fan of 1975 American thriller film “Jaws” is a big help in understanding the trajectory of this play, it most certainly isn’t a prerequisite, as the largely personality-led nature of The Shark Is Broken is more than enough to endear audiences, with its inherent simplicity and sincerity effectively hooking us as an audience and reeling us in.
Penned by Ian Shaw, son of original Jaws actor Robert Shaw, as well as Joseph Nixon, The Shark Is Broken is a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes circumstances surrounding a considerable delay in filming the Steven Spielberg thriller, due to the titular mechanical shark having malfunctioned and being in need of repair. Days turn to weeks, as we explore the collective boredom, and consequent tension, mass consumption of liquor, and sharing of stories that arise from spending so long awaiting the resumption of filming.
And much of the humour comes from the audience’s assumed prior knowledge of the subsequent success of Jaws itself, and also later Hollywood exponents of Spielberg, as we delight in several subtle nods to other films such as Close Encounters and Jurassic Park, as well as the suggestion that “sequels and remakes” would be the future of the movie industry. It’s all wonderfully tongue-in-cheek, and makes us feel like we’re part of the joke.
The play has a stationary set throughout, designed by Duncan Henderson, which further highlights the unchanging nature of being stuck, with scene changes highlighted and accentuated by some wonderful lighting and video elements by Jon Clark and Nina Dunn respectively. The use of the giant film reel squares almost like boat portholes across the back of the stage, combined with changing marine landscape video projections, depending on the scene and time of day, is a delightfully innovative piece of visual design to aid in navigation.
Aesthetic appeal aside though, this is very much a character and relationship focussed piece, writer Shaw portraying his own father Robert, along with Ashley Margolis as Richard Dreyfuss, and Dan Gredenburgh playing Roy Schneider, combining brilliantly to keep us engrossed in not only the play’s overall trajectory, but the individual and collective character arcs.
All three performers’ portrayals of their respective characters are pitch-perfect, delivered with terrific humour, wit and authenticity, drawing us in and making us believe we’re back in 1974. Shaw’s portrayal of his father, in particular though, is understandably and notably strong, especially in his exploration of his mental state and perceived alcoholism; and in spite of these character flaws, Shaw’s writing and performance prove a wonderful tribute to the late actor and his legacy, and I’m sure he would have fully appreciated it.
The Shark is Broken runs at The Lowry until 8th March.
★★★★☆ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Manuel Harlan
Comments