National treasure Jennifer Saunders returns to the stage to play “one of the greatest comic roles in British theatre”

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Beloved British comedian Jennifer Saunders will return to the stage this fall, starring in a new production of Edward Bond’s play, The Sea.

The star of Absolutely Fabulous will be playing Mrs. Rafi, a role widely considered to be one of the funniest and most important in British theatre history.

Last revived almost 20 years ago, The Sea is a wild farce of a play set in the early 20th century.

The play first debuted in London’s West End in 1973, and was later revived in 1991 and 2008. Now, it’s being performed at the Theatre Royal Bath for the very first time.

In 1907, during the height of the Edwardian era, a fierce storm hits a quiet seaside village in East Anglia. As chaos unfolds, Mr. Hatch, the village shopkeeper, begins to wonder if aliens are about to invade. Meanwhile, the social leader of the village, Mrs. Rafi, is busy rehearsing a local amateur production of the play ‘Orpheus and Eurydice’ with her friends.

Saunders is coming back to Bath, following her successful role as Madame Arcati in the hugely popular production of Blithe Spirit.

I remember reading an interview with Saunders in the Express, and she was talking about the show’s run. Initially, she thought four weeks in Bath would be ideal – a nice, quick in-and-out experience. But she realized something about theatre: the longer a show runs, the better it actually gets. It’s funny how your perspective can change, right? She learned that time really allows a production to find its feet and truly shine.

I’ve always been a movie person, but honestly, nothing quite compares to the experience of live theatre. Maybe it’s because I’m at a point in my life where the kids are grown and I have more freedom, but I’m really enjoying getting back to it. It’s amazing how, the more you really become a character, the more real they feel – not just to the audience, but to you.

Everyone knows and loves her from French and Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous, and even Shrek 2, but she’s now tackling another hugely popular comedy role, and I can’t wait to see what she does with it!

Jonathan Munby, the director of the play, has a strong background working with prestigious theater companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Globe, and Donmar Warehouse.

Simon Stephens’ ‘The Sea’ will be performed at the Theatre Royal Bath from October 22nd to November 7th, 2026. More information about the cast and how to buy tickets will be shared shortly.

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Authors

Olivia Garrett

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2026-02-13 14:06