The Shark Is Broken

In 1974, the filming of Jaws is underway. The film's three lead actors — Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider — are stuck together on the Orca boat because Bruce, the mechanical shark used in the film, is broken. Filming has consequently been stalled for several days, turning into weeks. The Shark Is Broken explores the three actors' boredom, arguments, and stories told aboard the boat while filming on the movie has stalled.

The first part of the play sees the three actors arrive on set for the eighth week of filming. They are told that the shark is broken, and they start to wait it out aboard the Orca boat. Tensions begin to occur as the three begin to realize how arduous filming the movie has become.

The second part begins to establish the hierarchy between the three actors: Shaw, the veteran actor; the young and ambitious Dreyfuss, and Scheider who attempts to be the peacekeeper so that they can all just finish filming the movie. The trio find ways to pass the time — now in the tenth week of filming the movie. Aided by alcohol, they share vulnerabilities and stories. Nevertheless, boredom continues to creep in on the actors.

The third part takes place at the end of filming Jaws, with the three actors still struggling to understand what the movie is all about. Bored and waiting for filming to wrap, the three engage in rambling, philosophical conversations on the meaning of the movie.[1]

The Shark Is Broken premiered on 24 July 2019 at the Rialto Theatre in Brighton, England, for a three-day run.[2] Following this, it transferred to the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it played at the Assembly George Square Studios from 2 August 2019 to 25 August 2019. Ian Shaw portrayed his father, Robert Shaw, with Liam Murray Scott as Richard Dreyfuss and Duncan Henderson as Roy Scheider.[3]

The play was scheduled to premiere in the West End at the Ambassadors Theatre in May 2020; this was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] Following the closures, The Shark Is Broken began performances at the Ambassadors Theatre on 9 October 2021. Shaw and Murray Scott reprised their roles, with Demetri Goritsas replacing Henderson as Roy Scheider.[5] Although the show was originally scheduled to close on 15 January 2022, the run was extended until 13 February 2022.[6] On 11 February 2022, lead producer Sonia Friedman announced that the show has recouped and hinted towards future productions.[7]

On 8 June 2022, it was announced that The Shark Is Broken would make its North American premiere at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.[8] The show began previews on 25 September 2022, with an official opening night on 30 September 2022, before closing on 6 November 2022. Shaw, Goritsas, and Murray Scott all reprised their roles.[9]

In April 2023, plans were announced for a Broadway engagement of the play, which will run for 16 weeks. The play will begin previews at the John Golden Theatre on 25 July 2023, ahead of an official opening on 10 August 2023.[10] Ian Shaw will reprise his role as his father, Robert Shaw.[11] On 20 June 2023, it was announced that Alex Brightman and Colin Donnell will portray Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider, respectively.[12]

• Official website