From the moment the curtain rises on a dramatic storm, The Sea grabs the audience’s attention. Crashing waves, atmospheric lighting and powerful sound immediately transport us to a small East Anglian coastal village, setting the scene for an evening that moves between tragedy, absurdity and sharply observed comedy.
At the centre of it all is Jennifer Saunders as the formidable Mrs Louise Rafi, an aristocratic woman determined to maintain order in her community even as events around her begin to unravel.
Directed by Jonathan Munby, Edward Bond’s The Sea combines striking visuals and eccentric characters with quieter moments of reflection. First performed at the Royal Court in 1973, the play explores a community attempting to carry on in the aftermath of a tragic event.
Saunders is wonderfully funny as Mrs Rafi, a woman with strong opinions about how things should be done and little patience for anyone who thinks otherwise. She captures both the authority and absurdity of the character brilliantly, with some of the biggest laughs coming from her attempts to keep village life firmly under her control.
Dominic Rowan gives a strong performance as Hatch, whose increasingly troubled behaviour provides a contrast to Mrs Rafi’s determination to maintain appearances. Their exchanges are among some of the production’s funniest and most unpredictable moments.
But beneath the comedy, the tragedy at the beginning of the play is never far away. It lingers over the characters and gradually seeps into their conversations and everyday interactions, giving the production a darker undercurrent.
The contrast between the ridiculous and the reflective works particularly well. Conversations can become wonderfully absurd, peppered with puns and exchanges that drew plenty of laughter from the audience, before giving way to much quieter moments.
Lloyd Hutchinson brings warmth and reflection to the role of Evens, the solitary man living in a beach hut. His conversations offer a change of pace from the bustle and eccentricity of the village and provide some of the play’s more thoughtful moments. Daniel Rainford also gives a strong performance as Hollarcut.
The technical elements are another highlight. Richard Howell’s lighting and Max Pappenheim’s sound work together to ensure the sea remains an almost constant presence. The effects are particularly impressive during the storm, when the crashing waves feel so close that it almost seems as though they could spill into the auditorium.
Grant Olding’s music adds another layer to the atmosphere, complementing a production in which sound and visuals play an important role in bringing the coastal setting to life.
At two hours and 40 minutes, the story is given time to move between its comic set pieces and more contemplative moments. There is a steady sense of curiosity about how events will unfold as the characters attempt to make sense of the tragedy while continuing with their routines, disagreements and absurdities of everyday village life.
The Sea is an unusual mix of comedy, tragedy and social satire, but this production embraces those contrasts. With an excellent Jennifer Saunders at its centre, a strong supporting cast and impressive technical effects, it is an entertaining and visually striking evening at Theatre Royal Bath.
The Sea runs at Theatre Royal Bath until Saturday 7 November. For tickets and further information, visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk or call the Box Office on 01225 448844.