The Deep Blue Sea at Melville

Melville Theatre Company (WA) is bringing Terence Rattigan’s critically acclaimed play The Deep Blue Sea to Melville Civic Centre. This riveting drama will run from 19 July to 3 August 2024, offering Perth audiences a chance to experience one of the 20th century's most poignant and powerful theatrical works.

Set in post-war London, The Deep Blue Sea delves deep into the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition. The play centres around Hester Collyer; a woman caught in a tumultuous love affair that leads her to the brink of despair. Rattigan’s masterful storytelling and rich character development make this play a timeless exploration of passion and emotional turmoil.

Director Barry Park brings a wealth of directorial expertise to this classic piece, promising a production that will resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. “Rattigan’s exploration of human vulnerability and resilience is as relevant today as it was when it was first written,” he says.

“Terence is a master playwright, using language to its full potential in unfolding this compelling and engaging story. It’s a privilege to see this magnificent cast lift the words off the script and bring it to life on stage.”

The cast features a talented ensemble of actors, including Anna Head as Hester Collyer, Steven Hounsome as Freddie Page, and Neale Patterson as Sir William Collyer.

The role of Hester is considered one of the most challenging female characters in theatre, and Anna Head says she is relishing the task in front of her.

“The Deep Blue Sea is such a wonderfully crafted play, and Hester is a complex, gritty, troubled, intriguing and nuanced character,” she says.

“This is such a powerful, poignant, and moving script. It's an honour to be able to bring the role of Hester Collyer to life and I hope I do her, and Terence Rattigan's work, justice.”

Neale Patterson says the role of Sir William Collyer, a retired judge and Hester’s estranged husband, is a gift for an actor to explore.

“This play is such a powerful, romantic and naturalistic portrayal of what love has to do with it, made more powerful by its setting in a time of austerity and repression,” he says.

The Deep Blue Sea plays at 7.30pm on July 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, August 1, 2 and 3, and 5pm on July 21 and 28, at Melville Theatre Company’s new home at the Main Hall of the Melville Civic Centre. Tickets priced at $25 adult, $20 concession, plus booking fee. Book at bit.ly/DeepBlueSea2024.

Images (from top): Anna Head (Hester) and Neale Patterson (Sir William) in Melville Theatre’s production of The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan; Steven Hounsome (Freddie) and Anna Head (Hester) bring their character’s affair to life; and Zane Alexander steps into the role of Mr Miller, a former doctor who provides a lifeline to Hester during her darkest moments.