The Shark Is Broken at The Lowry until Saturday - Review by Natalie Anglesey

 

Review of The Shark Is Broken at The Lowry by Natalie Anglesey




Although it’s not essential to appreciate this loving warts and all homage of a son to his father, it helps if you're of a certain vintage and remember the towering presence of the actor Robert Shaw. Even his brief, but magnetic appearance as King Henry in A Man For All Seasons remains a bench mark for some actors, in how to make a mark on screen.

The Shark is Broken, is written by and stars his son Ian Shaw, from memories told to him by his father about the filming of Steven Spielberg's epic movie Jaws which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. In collaboration with experienced playwright Joseph Nixon, it evokes a period in the creative process when the delays in filming were caused by faults with the mechanical shark.  The play chronicles the endless boredom of  hours between takes and the problems with special effects. Hence the title.


 Joining Ian Shaw, playing his own father on stage, are talented actors Dan Fredenburgh as Roy Scheider and Ashley Margolis as Richard Dreyfuss. All three are crammed into a small boat at the mercy of instructions from the director of the movie they are making. Alcohol flows, egos clash and tempers flare on this chaotic voyage.


 The Shark Is Broken is produced by a top team of professionals  including ProSonia Friedman Production, Scott Landis, GFour Production and Kenny Wax. Skillfully directed by Guy Masterson it has Set Design by Duncan Henderson.

 This play enjoyed sell-out success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019, transferred to the West End in 2021 and was Olivier Award nominated for Best Comedy Play. In July 2023 the production transferred to Broadway for a 16-week run at the John Golden Theatre where it garnered fresh critical acclaim.  

 Last night at The Lowry the audience were on their feet voicing their approval.  If, like me, you are a massive film fan, then I can recommend this look at bygone human problems of coping with new cinematic technology. Thankfully this hasn’t deterred film-makers from continually devising new ways to entertain us.   

 Venue: The Lowry, Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ

Dates: Tue 4 – Sat 8 February 2025.

Rnning Time: 90 minutes no interval

Age guide: 14+

thelowry.com

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