Reviewed by Giada at Park Theatre
Ticket was gifted in return for an honest review.
To keep it in the jewellery business, Farewell Mister Haffmann is an absolute gem. Making its UK premiere at the Park theatre, this production elevates a play that will stand the test of time.
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| Nigel Harman (Otto Abetz) and Alexander Waldmann (Joseph Haffmann) Photo by Mark Senior |
What first appears to be a desperate yet temporary arrangement for survival soon twists into a fate entwined with fear and courage, where fragile bonds are all that hold everything together.
It's the eve of Nazi occupation of Paris. Joseph Haffmann (Alex Waldmann), a Jewish jeweller, strikes a deal with his promising apprentice, Pierre Vigneau (Michael Fox): Pierre will take ownership of the shop and house, while Joseph hides in the cellar. But there’s one more condition. Pierre and his wife, Isabelle (Jennifer Kirby), have been struggling to conceive, and in return for his protection, Joseph must try to give them the child they long for. As the world outside, and inside, begins to crumbles, Pierre’s business unexpectedly flourishes, drawing the attention of the Nazi officials. A forced dinner invitation with new clients – Otto Abetz (Nigel Harman), the Vichy ambassador, and his extravagant wife Suzanne (Jemima Rooper) – brings Joseph out of hiding. Between declarations of loyalty to the Reich and French cheese appetisers, masks slip and true colours emerge.
The cast delivers a masterclass in acting, capturing the hiatus between duty and self-preservation, right and wrong, morality and compliance. Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s writing, adorned with four Molière awards (France’s answers to the Oliviers), is nothing short of superb in Jeremy Sams' translation. Fast-paced and witty, the play brims with moments of tension, revelation, and reconciliation – dare I say, even humour?
It's the eve of Nazi occupation of Paris. Joseph Haffmann (Alex Waldmann), a Jewish jeweller, strikes a deal with his promising apprentice, Pierre Vigneau (Michael Fox): Pierre will take ownership of the shop and house, while Joseph hides in the cellar. But there’s one more condition. Pierre and his wife, Isabelle (Jennifer Kirby), have been struggling to conceive, and in return for his protection, Joseph must try to give them the child they long for. As the world outside, and inside, begins to crumbles, Pierre’s business unexpectedly flourishes, drawing the attention of the Nazi officials. A forced dinner invitation with new clients – Otto Abetz (Nigel Harman), the Vichy ambassador, and his extravagant wife Suzanne (Jemima Rooper) – brings Joseph out of hiding. Between declarations of loyalty to the Reich and French cheese appetisers, masks slip and true colours emerge.
The cast delivers a masterclass in acting, capturing the hiatus between duty and self-preservation, right and wrong, morality and compliance. Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s writing, adorned with four Molière awards (France’s answers to the Oliviers), is nothing short of superb in Jeremy Sams' translation. Fast-paced and witty, the play brims with moments of tension, revelation, and reconciliation – dare I say, even humour?
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| Alexander Waldmann (Joseph Haffmann), Jennifer Kirby (Isabelle Vigneau) and Michael Fox (Pierre Vigneau). Photo by Mark Senior |
Oscar Toeman (currently Baylis Director at the Old Vic) brings a bold, contemporary edge to the piece, reinterpreting it with a fresh, stylish, almost mischievous eye. Rebecca Brower’s set and costume design is stunning, from the wooden ceiling joists to the antique radio and the small green lamp, all bathed in the warm, evocative lighting of Christopher Nairme. Special mention must go to composer and sound designer Asaf Zohar – the use of techno-infused rhythms (it was about time techno made its way into the theatre!), sometimes softened by tender harmonies, sometimes merging with mechanical ticking, is utterly hypnotic.
Every element of this production is meticulously crafted, culminating in one of the best shows I’ve seen. Where I sat, it was a standing ovation. I hope for nothing less than a sold-out run.
Like every story of WWII and the Jewish genocide, Farewell Mister Haffmann forces us to confront our own complicity in the atrocities of today – genocides unfolding just a short flight away from the Park Theatre. Perhaps, in eighty years, a new play will expose the banality of our evil too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Farewell Mister Haffmann plays at Park Theatre in London until Saturday 12th April 2025. Tickets are available from https://parktheatre.co.uk/event/farewell-mr-haffmann/
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| Michael Fox (Pierre Vigneau), Alexander Waldmann (Joseph Haffmann) and Jennifer Kirby (Isabelle Vigneau). Photo by Mark Senior |
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