The Deep
Photo by Mike Kwasniak
Review by Martine Silkstone
Wow! The Deep is just one hour - but it is an hour that will stay with you for much longer.
In this compelling play - based on a true story - a single actor portrays one man’s struggle to stay alive in freezing waters after his fishing boat sinks in the darkness. Narrating in a kind of unconscious dream state, we hear about his undeclared love for a local girl, his perfect car, and his family left at home; about all the things he would do if only given the chance to live one more day.
My goodness, I wish I had been in the theatre for this one - our intimate Suffolk theatres are perfect for this play and I bet the atmosphere was electric. As it was, I was watching via live-stream and was still utterly enthralled (even though the sound could have been better).
The staging is simple, with hazy projections on a back screen adding depth and the music and sound building atmosphere throughout - I understand that for some shows, live choral music will be provided by regional choirs which will add something extra special to proceedings. But what I loved is that these things are all so beautifully balanced; so wonderfully subtle that, while they help create the world in which we find ourselves, our focus is never distracted from the extraordinary physical performance by Jonathan Savage.
It comes as no surprise to find out that he had previously been a dancer, because his use of breath and movement brings the whole story to life, creating a truly remarkable, almost visceral experience for those watching. It is also clear that he had worked hard on the script, becoming so comfortable with the words that there was no hesitation; nothing to disrupt the flow and hypnotic intensity created by Icelandic playwright, Jón Atli Jónasson.
It is moving and emotional with touches of humour here and there to draw you in.
Photo by Mike Kwasniak
This is a story of hopes, fears and regrets, and I know that makes it sound heavy and dry - it’s not (somehow). It’s a gift, doing that special thing that theatre does when it is done well; it changes how you see the world - here it provides a clarity about the really important things in life and a renewed determination to seize the day.
Well done to director, Jake Smith, and the Eastern Angles team.
Simply remarkable and I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it.
In the Q&A that followed, Jonathan said it was important to remember that these were real events and a real person, and that he felt a responsibility to do the story justice.
Rest assured you did, my friend.
The Deep is at Sir John Mills Theatre until September 29. You can also catch it at Quay Theatre, Sudbury on October 22 and Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds on October 24.
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE