The Sea review – Jennifer Saunders takes fussing over buying curtains to Shakespearean levels

Theatre Royal Bath Edward Bond’s play about consumerism and the strength of humans in dark times is hugely enlivened by Saunders and her tight-lipped pomposity

When describing his own play, the late playwright Edward Bond said he wanted The Sea to deal with tragedy, be a comedy and end with people being as honest and open as they could. Jonathan Munby’s production – the first major revival in almost 20 years – begins by offering its audience a view that would ordinarily be obscured: we’re plunged underwater to where the seafaring Colin (Elliot Goodhill) hangs suspended from a rope, fighting for his life, as the waves of Luke Halls’ impressive videography engulf him.