Theatre Review: The Shark is Broken, Birmingham Rep
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2025 Production of ‘The Shark is Broken’ at the Birmingham Rep*
Ever wondered what happened behind the scenes on the set of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 shark movie “Jaws”? Nope, me neither. Famously, the shooting of the film was fraught, with an ever-changing script, bad weather, disgruntled local residents, and yes, a broken shark. And this is exactly what the gloriously funny, one-act play “The Shark is Broken” is about.
The play debuted in 2019 in Brighton before transferring to the West End via the Edinburgh Fringe. It is co-written by Joseph Nixon and Ian Shaw. Yes, Ian Shaw, son of original Jaws star Robert Shaw, and here he plays his own father. The idea for the play was conceived after Shaw read a “drinking diary” written by his father, highlighting his real-life struggles. Approaching the same age – and sporting a Quint-style moustache – it sparked an idea for a play.
At just 95 minutes long, and taking place all in one act, “The Shark is Broken” explores the famously fractious relationship between lead actors Robert Shaw (Ian Shaw), Roy Scheider (Dan Fredenburgh) and Richard Dreyfuss (Ashley Margolis).
The film’s titular star – a mechanical shark called Bruce – is malfunctioning, filming has stalled and the three actors are bored and increasingly quarrelsome. Their “set” is a claustrophobic bobbing boat – the Orca – somewhere off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Built as a series of vignettes, we watch what happens during the long tense gaps in filming.
Shaw’s character is the most fascinating as he clashes with the neurotic Dreyfuss. Robert Shaw is a theatre veteran with a phonebook full of Hollywood’s greatest. His career is on the decline, and he finds solace in alcohol. Dreyfuss however is young and ambitious, at the beginning of what would be a long distinguished career (including recent shark-based movie “Into The Deep“!)
Although the conversations between the three are largely fictional, Shaw had built in some real-life events to his father’s story, including his battle with alcoholism and the suicide of his own father. Memoirs of others that worked on the project also contributed
The action takes place inside the Orca – cleverly designed so that the audience have a clear view of the boat’s interior. Duncan Henderson’s set has a film strip backdrop, depicting the seascapes and varying weather conditions thanks to video design by Nina Dunn. Clever lighting by Jon Clark gives the impression of sunset and summer days. A shooting star nods to the actual meteor which unexpectedly made an appearance during the movie.
Small touches remind us that this is a film set, and great attention to detail has been paid to depict the magic of film-making. Clever costuming and subtle mannerisms mean the actors are instantly recognisable as Hooper, Brody and Quint, even though in this context they are Richard, Roy and Robert respectively.
The play delves into the insecurities of the actors and their fragile egos. At one point they discuss the movie they are making, and the unlikely chance that it will be a success. They also question the future career prospects of their director. Will 26 year-old Steven Spielberg EVER really make it? And what next – dinosaurs? There are clever nods in the script to the future of film-making, and the world as a whole, including climate change and corrupt presidents.
Shaw gives an impeccable performance as, well, Shaw, and its clear that this role means a lot to him. Bombastic moments give way to introspection. He is charismatic, but also cutting and cruel. If the family resemblance between younger and older Shaw is clear, Dan Fredenburgh’s depiction of Roy Scheider is uncanny. The most stable of the three, he calmly plays mediator between Dreyfuss and Shaw as they lurch between admiration and scorn for each other. Ashley Margolis captures the wide-eyed nervous energy of Dreyfuss perfectly, a conflicting blend of confidence and crippling self-doubt. Together the three performers have a fascinating and charismatic dynamic.
It’s a witty, heartfelt reimagining of a behind the scenes drama, with moments of comedic banter, and others of poignancy and reflection. “The Shark is Broken” is a wonderful tribute to a legendary film, 50 years on.
The Shark Is Broken plays at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 10th May 2025. Purchase your tickets here.
Production Photos by Manuel Harlan
*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.
