THE DEEP BLUE SEA
by Terence Rattigan

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Love is not always enough

When you are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, the deep blue sea can sometimes look very inviting, according to the heroine of Terence Rattigan’s extraordinarily powerful 1952 drama. Hester Collyer, the wife of a judge has abandoned her steady husband and life of affluence for a blind passion. But Freddie Page, is out of depth in their relationship, overwhelmed by the strength of a love he is incapable of reciprocating.

The original production starred Peggy Ashcroft. In 1955 it was filmed starring Vivien Leigh. A recent production in 2003 featured Harriet Walter, Colin Firth and Ian Holm. It is one of the National Theatre’s One Hundred Plays of The 20th Century.

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