Our first play of 2022 is Terence Rattigan's powerful portrait of emotional turmoil in post-war Britain – The Deep Blue Sea. The play takes place over the course of a day and is set in a Ladbroke Grove flat in late 1940's London. It begins with the discovery of Hester Collyer after a failed suicide attempt.  By the end of the play, we understand why, on waking, she describes herself as 'caught between the devil and the deep blue sea'.

Her marriage to a respectable High Court Judge has failed and her tempestuous affair with a semi-alcoholic former RAF pilot starts to surface.  With it comes a portrait of need, loneliness and long repressed passion.

Well-known local actress Julie Ann Randall plays Hester in this Talisman production. Julie Ann was last seen on the Kenilworth stage as Shirley Valentine in 2019. The cast play on a wonderful set designed by John Ellam which evokes post war Britain and are directed by John Dawson.

Rattigan was at the height of his powers when he wrote this tragic love story which contains one of the greatest female roles in contemporary drama.

It is beautifully crafted and is said to be based on Rattigan's secret relationship with Kenny Morgan, who subsequently took his own life when his homosexuality was discovered.

Visit the Talisman website for more information: www.talismantheatre.co.uk and to book tickets. Or telephone 01926 856548 or 0333 666 3366