The Shallow End

Synopsis

An opulent country house, the air thick with the tension of a high-stakes corporate wedding reception.

Malcolm Kirk, the embattled editor of a struggling Sunday newspaper, finds himself at a crossroads. As the circulation of his paper dwindles, Kirk must decide whether to uphold journalistic integrity or succumb to the profit-driven demands of his media baron boss. Set against the backdrop of a lavish wedding, The Shallow End by Doug Lucie explores the ruthless world of modern media, where seasoned journalists are discarded in favour of sensationalist, tabloid-style reporting.

Doug Lucie’s darkly comic play scrutinises the disintegration of traditional media values in the face of commercial pressures. The dialogue is biting and unflinchingly exposes the moral decay within the industry. The play’s tone is a blend of satire and stark realism, capturing the essence of a world where truth is a casualty in the battle for readership. Themes of corporate corruption, media ethics, and the erosion of journalistic standards resonate throughout the narrative. Lucie’s incisive writing and the dynamic ensemble cast bring to life the chaotic and often morally ambiguous landscape of contemporary media.