The Deep Blue Sea

The Deep Blue Sea Synopsis

A classic study of forbidden love, suppressed desire and the fear of loneliness - but at heart a deeply moving love story. This special edition was published alongside the release of the 2011 feature film, adapted and directed by Terence Davies.

Hester Collyer leads a privileged life in 1950s London as the beautiful wife of high court judge Sir William Collyer. To the shock of those around her, she walks out on her marriage to move in with young ex-RAF pilot, Freddie Page, with whom she has fallen passionately in love.

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, what - or whom - should Hester choose?

Terence Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea was first performed at the Duchess Theatre in the West End in March 1952.

This edition includes a new introduction by Sean O'Connor, the film's producer, about how Terence Davies adapted the play for the screen.

'Few dramatists have written with more understanding of the human heart' Michael Billington