Review - Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

Subtext Theatre Presents

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

By Patrick Shanley

Directed by Leslie Simpson

Cast:  Tanya Walker and Ange Arabatzis

At the Owl and the Pussycat

6 – 15 March 2014

John Patrick Shanley’s finely crafted Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is a moving modern classic that offers actors a chance to shine as tetchy volatile individuals navigating raw intimacy.

In this production Tanya Walker as Roberta and Ange Arabatzis as Danny take up the challenge and explore a gritty text with gusto, focus and the deftly perceptive assistance of director Leslie Simpson.  The result is thoroughly engaging.   There is a significant smattering of humour and some moments of poignant connection, but generally this fragile, burgeoning relationship seems to be teetering on a shear cliff of devastating tragedy that is, at times, nothing less than riveting.  It is a funny, frightening and insightful work realized with upmost integrity in this production.

Tanya Walker has internalized the character of Roberta with intuitive commitment - making it easy to relate whole-heartedly to Roberta’s confused and desperate plight.  Likewise Mr Arabatzis does a sterling job with Danny. Though I cant help myself wishing him to be physically a little leaner to really match the wired appearance of Ms Walker’s Roberta.

As always it is worth keeping an eye on what is being housed at ‘The Owl’.  It is a humble, intimate venue of integrity, where just the right smattering of a sense of wonder pervades, to keep the Theatre presented there, fresh and rewarding.   

This is another great chance to catch a must see classic, presented simply but well, in a welcoming environment. 

Suzanne Sandow

(For Stage Whispers)