The Harbour

The Harbour

Directed by Ben Samuels

Theatre Company: Limbik

Blue Elephant Theatre

5th March 2008 – 7th March 2008

Reviewed by Rachel Sheridan for The British Theatre Guide

Thursday 6th March 2008


The relationship between land and sea and the characters that inhabit both are explored in this haunting tale; beautifully told through Limbik’s production of The Harbour.

Under the superb direction of Ben Samuels, this imaginative one act production combines many story telling techniques to take the audience on a journey to a non-specific harbour town where we are drawn into the lives of the inhabitants.

One could easily imagine being told this story, huddled around the fire in a small harbour pub by a local fisherman who was told the tale by his grandfather many years before and the intimate nature of the tale is beautifully retained in this telling.

With minimal props the story moves effortlessly from the harbour to a bathroom to a factory as crates double up as a bed, a sink, a deck and funnily enough crates for the fish. Wellington boots are also transformed into a shoal of fish swimming in perfect symmetry across the stage.

The impressive and skilful ensemble who devised The Harbour are as flexible as their props. It can often be difficult to integrate dialogue with a physical performance as one discipline can conflict with the other; however The Harbour unites both perfectly. With especially touching performances from Sarah Johnson (Sally) and Juan Ayala as her frustrated husband, Beto this is ultimately an actor’s piece. However, the physical nature of the performance enhances the story, creating as much energy and passion as the ocean itself.

A haunting soundtrack performed by Sarah Moody on the cello accompanies the performance. Seated at the edge of the space, one is aware of her presence yet is never distracted as her stunning score serves only to enhance the emotions on stage.

Aside from the odd moment where it lacks pace slightly it is hard to believe that this performance of The Harbour is still a work in progress as this nautical tale is absolutely ready to set sale.