Like the play’s central character Hester Collyer, we are on edge for much of this play.
The play begins with her landlady Mrs Elton finding Hester on the floor of her apartment after a failed suicide attempt. She left the gas on without realising that the heater was coin operated, and ceased to operate as soon as the time ran out.
We soon learn of the cause of her unhappiness. Hester has been unable to get a divorce from her husband, Judge William Collyer. The Judge still holds a candle for her despite her going off with another man,
Will Hester rise above the dramas in her life or will she try and end her life again and this time be successful.
Director Paige Rattray wins good performances from her cast.
Marta Dusseldorp gives a memorable, flawless performance in the lead. There are a lot of ‘tough’ scenes in the play and she ‘meets’ all of them.
Paul Capsis gives a fine performance as the eccentric Mr Miller, a Doctor who has been de-registered, We never find out the reason why. An unusual bond forms between the Doctor an d Hester.
Fayssal Bazzi played the role of temperamental, unpredictable Freddie Page. His scene where he is completely aghast at his partner’s suicide attempt is a powerful one.
Charlie Garber plays his friend Jackie Jackson who he confides his disbelief in .
Matt Day is very credible as Judge William Collyer, trying to win back his wife.
Vanessa Downing gives her usual well crafted performance as landlord Mrs Elton.
Contessa Treffone and Brandon McClelland play a comfortable middle class married couple Philip and Ann Welch who are Hester’s caring neighbours.
David Fleisher’s ‘portable’ set works well. James Brown’s soundscape was edgy and memorable, lending much to the drama happening on stage.
The deep blue sea of eternity beckons Hester Collyer. See this play to see if she gives in to it.
A Sydney Theatre company production, Terrence Rattigan’s THE DEEP BLUE SEA is playing the Roslyn Packer Theatre until Saturday 7th Match, 2020.
https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/whats-on
Featured image : Fayssal Bazzi and Marte Dusseldorp in ‘The Deep Blue Sea’. P:c by Daniel Boud.