Terence Rattigan’s heartbreaking drama reunites director Carrie Cracknell and Helen McCrory – but is the quality of the production worthy of the collaboration?
The Guardian: **** Michael Billington summed up the production calling it: “an impassioned production by Carrie Cracknell that illuminates Rattigan’s psychological understanding and boasts a shining performance from Helen McCrory.”
The Telegraph: **** Ben Lawrence wrote: “this splendid new production from Carrie Cracknell is intoxicating, bringing new shades of complexity to this famous, much-revived work.”
WhatsOnStage: ***** Matt Trueman commented that: “this is a revelatory revision of a classic; a feminist reading that proves Rattigan was miles and miles ahead of his time. Essential.”
Radio Times: **** Ben Dowell thought: “McCrory provides a revelatory performance.”
The Upcoming: *** “the staging and the direction remove the intimacy the play requires, stranding the fine central performances in an outsized doll’s house that mutes the impact of the narrative’s intensity.”
Time Out: ***** “It’s a beautifully judged, exquisitely sad production that remains faithful to Rattigan’s period setting.”
Culture Whisper: **** “The Deep Blue Sea is inevitably a moving, heart-wrenching watch, but there’s a rewarding clarity in the production.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ***** Mark Shenton was impressed with the production saying: “It’s a wonderful production of a great play.”
The Reviews Hub: *** (half) “although this production is not flawless, it is a thoroughly competent and polished piece, that greatly impresses.”
There Ought to be Clowns: “But it is a masterpiece of a play and a beautifully emotional interpretation thereof, which can’t help but make you feel it deeply, as deeply as the deep blue sea.”
The Bardette: “A haunting production not to be missed.”
British Theatre Guide: “while she showcases the talents of the main players in a fine production of a play that may lack levity but should not be missed.”
The Deep Blue Sea runs at the National Theatre until the 21st September. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/the-deep-blue-sea.