As communities across the UK recover from the impact of last week’s storms, audiences at Theatre Royal Bath can experience a tempest of a different kind in Edward Bond’s acclaimed play The Sea.
The production, starring Jennifer Saunders, opened last week and runs until 7 November, bringing one of the acclaimed playwright’s most celebrated works to the Bath stage.
Set in 1907, the play begins as a fierce storm batters a small East Anglian seaside village. In the aftermath, attention turns to the formidable Mrs Rafi, played by Saunders. She is determined that an amateur production of Orpheus and Eurydice will go ahead despite the turmoil around her.
Blending comedy and social satire, The Sea follows a community thrown into disarray by both the forces of nature and the larger-than-life personalities at its heart. Saunders leads a cast that also includes Sean Delaney, Elliot Goodhill, Lloyd Hutchinson, Dominic Rowan, Lucy Briers and Nia Gwynne.
Opening-night audiences gave the production a warm reception, with the Theatre Royal describing it as one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the autumn season.
Production photographs released by the theatre offer a first glimpse of the show’s striking seaside setting, dramatic storm scenes and colourful collection of village characters.
The Sea runs at Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 7 November. Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. The running time is 2 hours 40 minutes. For tickets and information visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk