The breakout hit of the 2019 Edinburgh Festival was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the disastrous shoot for what became an iconic blockbuster: Steven Spielberg's movie Jaws. Now, this show is set to make a splash in the West End, so start planning your trip and get booking. The Shark is Broken tickets are available on London Theatre now.
The Shark is Broken play takes us back to 1974, when Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss were filming onboard a boat named the Orca. The drama was meant to be all about the fictional hunt for a ferocious great white shark off the coast of New England, but another drama was brewing thanks to backstage issues. The mechanical shark in Jaws kept breaking down, leaving the actors waiting for hours, stranded in stormy weather in the Atlantic Ocean.
This compelling true story comes courtesy of Ian Shaw, son of Robert Shaw, who co-wrote the play with Joseph Nixon. In The Shark is Broken, Shaw portrays his father — a role he reprises in The Shark is Broken London production. Ian Shaw relates the tensions he witnessed on set, as the relationships between the three star actors broke down during the stress of the delayed shoot, and Robert Shaw's alcoholism became a serious problem.
Like many of us, Ian Shaw remembers the film Jaws as a formative experience — and one that made him terrified to go swimming for some time afterwards. But it's also a fond memory of his father at work. That combination of thriller and homage, existential drama and industry comedy, is what made the show such a success in Edinburgh when it premiered there two years ago, and will doubtless do the same for The Shark is Broken West End run.
The show is directed by Guy Masterson and brought into town by super-producer Sonia Friedman. It's a welcome promotion for the show that the team realised was gonna need a bigger theatre. In fact, The Shark is Broken was first announced as part of a West End season bringing new works and new voices to the London stage. So, for a play with real bite, book The Shark is Broken tickets now.
Tickets to The Shark is Broken are available now. Book your The Shark is Broken tickets on London Theatre.
Pre Visit Requirements (ATG)
Mask
We recommend that you wear a mask while inside this venue.
Proof of vaccine and/or test
You are required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination in order to attend this performance.
Health check
When you arrive at this venue, you may be asked to fill out a health questionnaire or have your temperature taken.
Covid safety
This venue has additional Covid-19 safety measures in place to ensure the health and well-being of the staff, performers, and guests.
This venue is complying with the latest industry 'See It Safely' guidelines.
