Key Highlights
- Sir Jonathan Pryce stars as a farmer in Sky’s new crime drama Under Salt Marsh.
- The actor returns to filming on the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd for his latest role.
- Pryce, known for roles like Prince Philip and King Lear, plays the patriarch Solomon Bevan.
- Under Salt Marsh will release at the end of January 2025.
Sir Jonathan Pryce’s Return to North Wales
“It was a great opportunity to go back, and revisit the land of my fathers,” Pryce said in an interview with BBC Radio Wales. “The chance to inhabit a north Wales character, the type of man I used to see in Holywell on market days when all the old farmers would come down from the hills with their sheep.”
Pryce’s latest role as Solomon Bevan is more than just acting; it’s a personal journey back home. The actor grew up in Holywell, and his connection to the land and its people runs deep. “It brought back all those memories of old farmers with leather gaiters and rusty red faces,” Pryce recalled.
The Cast and Setting
Under Salt Marsh stars Kelly Reilly as a former detective and Rafe Spall as Det Eric Bull. The series is based in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, where the mystery unfolds against the backdrop of an impending storm that threatens to wipe away evidence.
“It was also a chance to go back and acknowledge my ancestors in a way- my uncles and my great uncles,” Pryce added. “I have strong memories of my family from Bethesda and Bangor who used to come to tea at Easter when I was little.”
Reilly, known for her role in Yellowstone, brings a seasoned detective’s perspective to the story, while Spall adds depth as a police officer. The series aims to captivate audiences with its local dialect and authentic setting.
More Investment Needed in Welsh Theatre
Pryce, a two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner, is not just an actor but also an advocate for the theatre industry. He believes more investment and encouragement are needed to support young actors and Welsh theatres like the National Theatre.
“There always have been fantastic Welsh actors and they’re still coming,” Pryce said. “The industry is very strong, but there’s a need for more support.”
His experience in The Crown has given him insight into the global reach of Welsh talent, and he hopes to see this reflected in local productions as well.
The Writing on the Wall
“It was also a chance to go back and acknowledge my ancestors in a way- my uncles and my great uncles,” Pryce added. “I have strong memories of my family from Bethesda and Bangor who used to come to tea at Easter when I was little.”
The opportunity for Pryce to return home is not just about nostalgia but also about bringing authenticity to the character he portrays. The series, which releases in January 2025, aims to deliver a gripping mystery while paying homage to Welsh culture and heritage.
