Sir Jonathan Pryce's Heartfelt Return to His Roots in 'Under Salt Marsh'

Sir Jonathan Pryce's New Role: A Return to His Roots

Peering into the legacy of Sir Jonathan Pryce, one is struck not only by his impressive catalog of roles—from Pope Francis to King Lear—but also by his rich connection to the land of his ancestors. In the gripping new drama Under Salt Marsh, Pryce returns to Wales, a backdrop steeped in both personal history and cultural significance.

A Landscape of Memory

The seeds of Pryce's connection to this role were sown in the verdant hills of Gwynedd and Anglesey, where filming took place in 2025. This return is not merely geographical; it's a deep emotional journey. "It was a great opportunity to go back, and revisit the land of my fathers," Pryce remarked. His character, Solomon Bevan, a farmer, allows him to embody a slice of life he remembers from his childhood, fostering nostalgia with every scene.

Pryce reflects, "The type of man I used to see in Holywell on market days would come down with their sheep, and it brought back all those memories."

Plot Overview

Set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, this six-part thriller unveils a mystery: the death of an eight-year-old boy that resonates through the entire community. Accompanying Pryce in this tense narrative are Kelly Reilly as Jackie Ellis, a former detective, and Rafe Spall as Det. Eric Bull. Together, they unravel layers of familial ties and communal grief amidst a looming storm.

The Creator's Vision

The creative team behind Under Salt Marsh sought not only to craft a thrilling narrative but to contextualize it within the Welsh landscape, making the location a 'character' in its own right. Reilly, reflecting on their setting, shares, "When I watched it, I was like 'gosh, this doesn't look like telly, this looks like a film.'" The stunning visual storytelling adds a layer of richness to an already sumptuous plot.

A Connection to Heritage

Pryce's commitment to his role transcends acting; it's a homage to his family roots. He recounted fond memories of his own great uncles, admitting that their dialect and mannerisms infused his portrayal of Bevan. "I wanted to put a bit of my Great Uncle Johnny into Solomon Bevan," he said, bridging performance and personal history.

An emotional Pryce asserted, "It was also a chance to go back and acknowledge my ancestors in a way."

Industry Reflections

As Pryce steps into the spotlight once more, he relishes not only the opportunity to return to his homeland but to work alongside up-and-coming Welsh talent. "There always have been fantastic Welsh actors and they're still coming," he proclaimed, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the industry. His commitment to fostering this culture of creativity echoes through his call for more investment in Welsh theater, reinforcing his belief that regional storytelling is crucial in the wider narrative landscape.

Anticipated Reception

With its poignant storytelling and rich character development, Under Salt Marsh appears to be a pivotal addition to the contemporary Welsh media landscape. Fans of Pryce and newcomers alike will find themselves immersed in this intertwining of history and mystery, a poignant reminder of the narratives that bind us to each other and our pasts.

Conclusion: A Journey Home

In every scene, Pryce's performance invites us to reflect on what home means—how it shapes not only who we are, but the stories we tell. I'm excited to see how this powerful portrayal impacts audiences and invites dialogue about heritage, family ties, and the beauty of Welsh storytelling.