John Galsworthy’s The Forsyte Saga, running at the Park Theatre until 7th December, offers a masterful exploration of the complexities of love, property, and social change from the 1870s to 1920s.
Adapted by Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan and directed by Josh Roche, the play is split into two parts. The first part tells the story of Irene (played by Fiona Hampton) who is in a loveless marriage with Soames Forsyte in the late 19th century. The second part is about Soames daughter Fleur (played by Flora Spencer-Longhurst) and is set in the 1920’s. Longhurst skillfully narrates the play throughout part 1 and 2, while also stepping into her role in the second part where in the first part it appears she is looking at it from the outside.
Under Josh Roche’s skilled direction, the cast delivers powerful performances that breathe life into Galsworthy’s complex characters. Joseph Millson plays Soames Forsyte bringing a remarkable depth to the character by capturing Soames’ internal conflict and emotional turmoil. He humanises Soames, revealing the vulnerabilities lurking beneath his cold exterior, at one point we see tears in his eyes because of his wife’s betrayal. His performance allow the audience to empathise with a character who is often seen as unsympathetic in other productions.
Visually, the minimal set design was uninspired, failing to capture the elegance of the eras depicted that is so central to the narrative. However the music and lighting impressively capture the action in the play. The costumes are equally impressive, adding authenticity and vibrancy to the characters and the eras they are set in.
I highly recommend this adaptation for both newcomers and those familiar with the saga.
The Forsyte Saga runs until December 7th at Park Theatre London. To book visit their website here.
