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The Shark Is Broken Sets Sail on Its First UK Tour – A Smashing Success at Theatre Royal Plymouth!
Review by Adam Richards at Matinée Dog. 
Header Image and UK Tour Photographs: Manuel Harlan

We had the pleasure of climbing aboard The Orca on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, for the press night of The Shark Is Broken at Theatre Royal Plymouth—and what a ride it was! The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Megan and the wonderful Theatre Royal team, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night of theatre, as a lover of musical theatre I was not expecting this play to captivate me and trust me it is truly hillarious at moments.

Behind the Scenes of a Blockbuster

This witty and brilliantly crafted production gives audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the filming of Jaws, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Packed with razor-sharp humour, heartfelt moments, and stellar performances, The Shark Is Broken is a must-see for both theatre enthusiasts and film fans alike. The Orca looked just like the film with incredible attention to detial, we were carried straight to the set of the movie!

A Brilliant Cast Brings the Boat to Life

Ian Shaw delivers an extraordinary performance as his real-life father, Robert Shaw. His portrayal is layered with intensity, charm, and vulnerability, anchoring the show with emotional depth. Shaw also co-wrote the script, which sparkles with clever dialogue and laugh-out-loud moments, capturing the tension and camaraderie among the cast stuck at sea.

Ashley Margolis nails the role of Richard Dreyfuss with impeccable comedic timing and boundless energy. From his first entrance to his final bow, he captivates the audience with wit and charisma. Dan Fredenburgh rounds out the trio as Roy Scheider, delivering a grounded and compelling performance that perfectly complements his castmates. Together, they form an irresistible ensemble whose chemistry is electric and endlessly entertaining.

A Set That Makes Waves

Despite minimal changes throughout the show, the set is nothing short of cinematic. The Orca is a masterpiece of design, instantly transporting the audience to the summer of 1974. Clever use of video screens behind the boat gives the illusion of motion and open sea, enhancing the immersive experience.

A minor technical hiccup at the start of the evening momentarily paused the action. A technician appeared on stage to announce, “We apologise, but the shark is actually broken.” At first, we thought it was part of the show! After a brief pause behind the safety curtain, the issue was swiftly resolved, and the performance began without further interruption.

The Comedy That Hooks You

The Shark Is Broken masterfully blends humour with the trials and tribulations of making a cinematic classic. The writing is clever, insightful, and consistently funny, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges of creating the world’s first blockbuster. This stage production brings a fresh perspective on probably still one of the most iconic shark movies out there!

A Memorable Night Out

Theatre Royal Plymouth proved to be the perfect venue for this hit show. With its comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and welcoming atmosphere, it made for a fantastic night of live theatre. The pre-show press reception was led by Megan, who always makes you feel truly welcome, thank you TRP!

Catch It While You Can!

If you’re in search of an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and unexpected emotion, The Shark Is Broken is the perfect catch. As it tours the UK for the first time, be sure to book your tickets while you can—you won’t want to miss this clever and heartfelt comedy.

Book now and prepare for an unforgettable night at sea. It’s nostalgic, it’s witty, and it’s swimming with charm.