Jennifer Saunders to Star in U.K. Revival of Edward Bond's The Sea | Playbill
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Jennifer Saunders to Star in U.K. Revival of Edward Bond's The Sea

Set in 1907 at the height of the Edwardian era, a wild storm shakes a small seaside village to its core.

February 13, 2026 By Margaret Hall

Jennifer Saunders

Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders will play Mrs. Rafi in a U.K. revival of Edward Bond's The Sea.

Running at the Theatre Royal Bath October 22–November 7, the production marks Saunders' return to Bath after her run as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

The Sea originally premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London in May 1973, before being revived at the National Theatre in 1991 and the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2008 starring Eileen Atkins and David Haig. This revival will be directed by Jonathan Munby.

Set in 1907 at the height of the Edwardian era, a wild storm shakes a small East Anglian seaside village to its core. Amidst the confusion, Mr. Hatch, the local draper, wrestles with the possibility that aliens from outer space may be ready to invade, and the village’s self-appointed "First Lady" Mrs. Rafi prepares her ladies for an amateur dramatic performance of Orpheus and Eurydice.

For more information, visit TheatreRoyal.org.uk.

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