A legendary actor revisits his roots in a gripping new series. Sir Jonathan Pryce, the man behind iconic roles like Pope Francis and King Lear, takes us on a journey back to his homeland in the upcoming crime thriller, Under Salt Marsh.
But here's where it gets controversial... Pryce's decision to join the cast wasn't solely based on the compelling story. It was a personal journey, a chance to reconnect with his Welsh heritage.
Under Salt Marsh, set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, follows a gripping tale of a dead schoolboy and the race against time to solve the mystery before nature wipes away all traces. Pryce plays Solomon Bevan, the patriarch of a farming family, and his connection to the role runs deeper than just acting.
Pryce, a native of Holywell, saw the series as an opportunity to return to the 'land of his fathers'. He drew inspiration from his family's history in the area, especially his uncles and great uncles, and even incorporated their local dialect into his character, Solomon Bevan.
'I wanted to put a bit of my Great Uncle Johnny into Solomon Bevan,' Pryce revealed, adding a personal touch to his performance.
The series also stars Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, and their on-screen chemistry promises an engaging watch. Reilly shared her own fond memories of Wales, recalling a camping trip to the foot of Snowdon as a child. Spall, too, was in awe of the location, calling it the 'main character' of the show.
'I hope the Welsh will be proud of where they're from,' Spall said, highlighting the beauty of Wales captured on screen.
And this is the part most people miss... Pryce's involvement in Under Salt Marsh isn't just about the story or the location. It's a celebration of Welsh talent, both established and emerging. Pryce believes the Welsh theatre industry is thriving, and he hopes to see more investment and encouragement to nurture young actors.
'There are great hopes for Michael Sheen and the Welsh National Theatre to bring new young actors on,' Pryce said, leaving us with a thought-provoking statement.
So, what do you think? Is Under Salt Marsh a must-watch for its compelling story, or is it the personal connection and celebration of Welsh talent that piques your interest? Let us know in the comments!
