Newark Advertiser review: The Shark is Broken, at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal, playing until March 1

Ever been curious about what actors get up to between takes? Well, here is a comedy with some bite.

The Shark is Broken is playing at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal until this Saturday, March 1.

On the surface — pardon the pun — this is a show about the behind the scenes relationships of the three main actors — Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider — during the filming of the classic 1975 blockbuster, Jaws. But it goes a little deeper than that.

Infamously, the film’s production was repeatedly halted by a malfunctioning mechanical shark — affectionately called Bruce — leaving the cast and crew to entertain themselves during long delays on the open sea.

Crammed into their boat like sardines, the egos of Robert, Richard, and Roy come to a head and deep truths are exposed as emotions bubble over in the high pressure environment.

Co-written by Ian Shaw, who takes on the role of his own father, this was a different approach to a literal three men in a boat story, and it absolutely succeeds.

In fact, Ian and his co-stars Dan Fredenburgh and Ashley Margolis do such a brilliant job at portraying their real life counterparts, it isn’t until a lighting change that you remember you’re watching a play at all.

The biggest compliment that I can pay the show is that it feels very human.

Observing the actors on set as they laugh, play games, and fall out, every conversation feels as natural as it would for anyone having a casual chat among friends.

Infused throughout the show are little known tid-bits about the production including the main actor’s penchant for singing “Show Me the Way to Go Home”, and the constant chatter of the radio about Bruce’s mechanical mishaps as an unseen crew attempts to fix the broken shark.

With more than a few knowing nods towards future events — such as corrupt presidents, and unlikely movies involving UFOs and dinosaurs — this was a timely comedy which kept the audience laughing.

But the show knows when to breathe too.

Moments of levity, are broken up with heartfelt self-reflections and serious monologues.

At times Ian’s portrayal of his dad felt like he was working through his own relationship with his father, and coming to terms with some of the issues he faced.

This was as much a humorous and heartfelt homage to Robert Shaw, as it was a quirky look at the curious goings on and behind the scenes shenanigans of Jaws.

Coming in at an hour and half, with no intermission, the show isn’t exactly brisk, but at the same time doesn’t too long either.

Whether you’re a fan of the original film, a movie-buff, theatre lover, or just fancy seeing something a little bit different, The Shark is Broken is not to be missed. — FB