For a film that made audiences wary of swimming in the ocean, Jaws has enjoyed an extraordinary life beyond the screen. Now, The Shark Is Broken, currently playing at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, takes audiences behind the scenes of Steven Spielberg’s 1975 cinematic classic, delivering an entertaining mix of backstage comedy, bruised egos and unexpected moments of introspection.
Written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the play transports us to the deck of the Orca, where actors Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider and Richard Dreyfuss find themselves stranded by the increasingly unreliable mechanical shark, inclement weather and lengthy production delays. With filming repeatedly interrupted, the trio have ample time to air their grievances, challenge one another’s opinions and indulge in the occasional philosophical diversion.
What emerges is a lively portrait of three very different personalities thrown together by circumstance. Dreyfuss’s youthful exuberance and restless energy provide a counterpoint to Shaw’s formidable presence and acerbic wit, while Scheider often finds himself the steadying influence between the two. Their exchanges are frequently funny, but beneath the banter lie questions of artistic ambition, professional insecurity, ageing and the legacy each man hopes to leave behind.
Directed with an assured hand by Luke Joslin, the production finds an appealing rhythm between sharp comedy and more contemplative passages. The dialogue is acutely observed, and the humour draws much of its appeal from the tensions simmering beneath seemingly casual conversations. For those familiar with Jaws, there is an added pleasure in recognising the personalities and circumstances behind a film that has become part of cinema folklore.
Robin Goldsworthy captures Richard Dreyfuss’s youthful confidence and impulsive energy, while Anthony Gooley brings considerable presence to Robert Shaw, balancing his intimidating manner with flashes of vulnerability.
Tom Stokes provides a measured and quietly effective portrayal of Roy Scheider, whose relative composure helps keep the increasingly combustible company on an even keel. Together, the trio establish a convincing chemistry that sustains the play through its more reflective moments as readily as its comic exchanges.
The production is impressively realised, with James Browne’s detailed set design recreating the Orca, complete with dockside elements and scaffolding supporting the filming equipment. The setting offers a convincing glimpse into the practicalities of the film shoot.
Browne’s costumes establish the period and place the characters firmly within the action, while Jasmine Rizk’s lighting design and Cameron Smith’s video design work in tandem to create a palpable sense of location. The effect is immersive, drawing the audience into the confines of an active film set.
Sean Peter’s original music subtly underpins the action, adding texture without distracting from the performances, while occasional nods to the film’s iconic score provide a knowing touch for those familiar with the original.
The Shark Is Broken is an enjoyable theatrical comedy, offering a glimpse into the personalities and tensions behind one of cinema’s most enduring films, and reminding us that sometimes the most revealing drama happens when the cameras stop rolling.
The Shark is Broken
Athenaeum Theatre, Collins Street, Melbourne
Performance: Saturday 17 October 2026
Season continues to 7 November 2026
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
For more information, visit: www.sharkisbroken.com.au for details.
Images: The Shark is Broken – photos by David Hooley
Review: Rohan Shearn