Edward J. Moore’s The Sea Horse, which premiered on Broadway in 1974 and won a Drama Desk Award, makes its London debut at the Golden Goose Theatre under the direction of Mandi Riggi. This revival arrives fifty years after its original run, bringing with it a raw and intimate portrait of two emotionally bruised individuals navigating the choppy waters of love and vulnerability.
Set in a rundown waterfront bar in an American port town, the play centres on Gertrude, a tough-as-nails landlady who inherited the bar from her father, and Harry, a seaman freshly docked and full of dreams for a better future. Their relationship, previously physical and transactional, is thrown into turmoil when Harry proposes marriage, hoping to build something more meaningful. What follows is a turbulent courtship, veering between tenderness and toxicity, as both characters wrestle with their pasts and their capacity for trust.
The production unfolds over two 45-minute acts, with the second act offering more insight into the characters’ histories and motivations. However, the emotional swings between affection and aggression come thick and fast, often leaving the audience unsure whether to root for the couple or hope they part ways. This lack of emotional clarity makes it difficult to fully invest in their journey, despite the play’s thematic richness.
Jay Rincon delivers a standout performance as Harry, capturing the character’s yearning for connection and his frustration with Gertrude’s emotional barricades. His portrayal is layered and compelling, particularly in quieter moments where his vulnerability shines through. Rachael Bellis, as Gertrude, is most effective when the character’s hardened exterior begins to crack, revealing glimpses of the pain and fear beneath. However, the role’s constant volatility sometimes overshadows these subtler beats.
Riggi’s direction is assured, and the pacing keeps the audience engaged throughout. The staging makes good use of the intimate Golden Goose space, drawing us into the claustrophobic world of The Sea Horse bar. Yet, despite the strong performances and thoughtful direction, the production doesn’t quite manage to get under the skin of its characters. The revelations in the second act come too late and too briefly to offer the emotional payoff the story seems to promise.
Ultimately, The Sea Horse is an intriguing exploration of a mismatched relationship, placing the complexities of love and trust under a microscope. While it doesn’t fully succeed in making us care deeply for its protagonists, it offers moments of genuine poignancy and a reminder of the courage it takes to let someone in.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
