Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
The Park Theatre’s celebrated two-part staging of The Forsyte Saga has transferred to the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Based on the Nobel-winning epic novels by John Galsworthy, this gripping narrative of love, ownership, and family is a theatrical experience not to be missed.
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| Flora Spencer-Longhurst as Fleur in Part 2. Photo by Cam Harle. |
First staged in 2024 at the Park Theatre, London, this critically acclaimed production, directed by the talented Josh Roche, has been masterfully adapted by Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan. Galsworthy's 3 epic novels are condensed into 5 hours of theatre staged in two parts. Part one is titled Irene and part two is titled Fleur.
Both plays are staged individually, but I suspect the best way to enjoy these is by enjoying both on the same day. If you came in having to Fleur having not seen Irene, then you may feel a little confused. There is a great satisfaction in completing both; it feels like a thrilling theatrical binge.
McKenna and Coghlan's first adaptation ran as a 15-hour radio play; here, they strip it back further and let the words and actors play to create this tale. It focuses on how decisions can affect people even if they weren't born when those actions and decisions were made. We meet Soames Forsyte and his wife Irene - a doomed relationship that carries ripples to the next generation.
The key decision to make Fleur, Soames' daughter of his second marriage, narrator of the story works perfectly, and it ties everything together. It helps drive the narrative forward with real energy. There's rarely a lull across both pieces.
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| Joseph Millson as Soames Forsyte in Part One. Photo by Cam Harle. |
What also works is the stripped-back staging. Anna Yates' set and costume designs are unpretentious as a mix of styles from the years 1886 to 1927 are used. The stage itself is pretty much empty. Part one (Irene) uses red curtains upstage and a red carpet, whilst part two (Fleur) removes the curtains as times move from Victorian England. Even the props are fairly minimal, much is left to the outstanding 11-piece cast to bring the words to life without any distractions.
The cast is aided by Alex Musgrave's lighting. The tonal shifts can add a feeling of warmth as romance blossoms or in happier moments, whilst the tone can shift to dark, which is particularly striking in the play's darkest moment as Soanes rapes Irene, the rift that causes friction throughout the family.
Joseph Millson is magnificent as Soanes; he pitches every emotion perfectly. He is a commander, a leader of the family and those around him, whilst also showing layers of sadness within as he struggles to show his own feelings, thus losing the one thing he values the most, his wife Irene. Soanes might not be a likeable character, and makes some awful choices, but in Millson, you get a real feeling, especially as he tries to protect Fleur.
In her portrayal of Irene, Fiona Hampton embodies a blend of calm dignity and an underlying complexity. Her character reflects a keen intelligence and a yearning for freedom, drawn into the intricate dynamics of the Forsyte family that surrounds her. This powerful performance captures the essence of a woman navigating societal constraints, making her struggle both relatable and impactful.
Flora Spencer-Longhurst presents Fleur as an exceptionally captivating and astute narrator. With her sharp wit and sophisticated demeanour, she navigates the complexities of life while revealing a deep, albeit tumultuous, vulnerability shaped by experiences that often elude her comprehension. Her journey is as gripping as it is enlightening, offering insight into the intricate balance of strength and fragility. Spencer-Longhurst is completely compelling throughout both parts.
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| Fiona Hampton as Irene, Andy Rush as Philip Bosinney and the company in Part One. Photo by Cam Harle. |
Jamie Wilkes shines in a delightful double role as the young Jo Forsyte, embodying the family's moral compass and artistic spirit, while also portraying the hopeful Michael Mont. Mont navigates his feelings knowing he stands in the shadows of Fleur's affections for her cousin Jon, brought to life by Andy Rush. Rush captivates the audience with his portrayal as the charming yet ruthless Bosinney. Both Wilkes and Rush deliver their varied roles superbly.
A strong supporting cast, including Michael Lumsden, who adds some much-needed comedy, offers boundless energy and drive with the pace rarely relenting across the gripping 5-hour run time across both parts.
There are only minor gripes, such as some of the lines are lost when they clash with Max Pappenheim's recorded musical score and some of the lines can be delivered quite softly so they're not always audible.
It's brilliant to see the RSC take the chance of this production offering a rare opportunity to witness a timeless saga of love and longing, expertly crafted for the stage. It's a theatrical event that is truly binge-worthy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Forsyte Saga plays in the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until Saturday 10th January 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.rsc.org.uk/
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| The company in Part Two. Photo by Cam Harle. |
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