Sir Jonathan Pryce revisits 'land of my fathers' in latest role

Pope Francis, Prince Phillip, King Lear - only some of the iconic figures actor Sir Jonathan Pryce has played on-screen and on-stage during career spanning more than 50 years.

While his role in Sky's latest crime series will not be a recognisable name for viewers, Pryce's own family connection was behind his decision to bring the farmer to life.

Under Salt Marsh was an opportunity for Welsh actor Pryce to return to the "land of my fathers" when filming took place across Gwynedd and on Anglesey in 2025.

Also starring Yellowstone actress Kelly Reilly as a former detective, the six-part thriller will be released at the end of January.

Under Salt Marsh is based in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen and follows Reilly and Rafe Spall's characters as they try to solve the mystery of a dead schoolboy before a once-in-a-generation storm washes away all evidence.

Sir Jonathan plays Solomon Bevan, the patriarch of a farming family and the grandfather of Cefin, the eight-year old boy whose death has sent shockwaves through the town.

As well as the "strength of the story", Sir Jonathan, who grew up in Holywell, was initially interested in the role as a chance to return home to north Wales.

"It was a great opportunity to go back, and revisit the land of my fathers," The Crown star said.

"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.

"It brought back all those memories of old farmers with leather gaiters and rusty red faces."

While Holywell is an hour from where the series was filmed on Anglesey and across Gwynedd, Sir Jonathan drew inspiration from family members who lived in the area.

"It was also a chance to go back and acknowledge my ancestors in a way- my uncles and my great uncles.

"I have strong memories of my family from Bethesda and Bangor who used to come to Easter for tea when I was little."

He jumped at the chance to speak in their local dialect, joking that his north Wales family always sounded like they were "running out of breath".

"I wanted to put a bit of my Great Uncle Johnny into Solomon Bevan."

The series sees Pryce working with Yellowstone actress Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, who play teacher Jackie Ellis and Det Eric Bull.

Speaking with Behnaz Akhgar on BBC Radio Wales, Reilly shared her own memories of her first trip to Wales as a child with her "eccentric" headteacher.

"He took all the kids who couldn't afford to go to the skiing trip and he took them camping instead," she recalled.

"We went camping at the foot of Snowdon and [he] took us up it, and it was one of those memories as a kid that stayed with me.

"I feel so lucky that I got to go to work every day with such great actors and great script in this beautiful location."

Her co-star Spall called the location the show's "main character", as well as the challenge that the extreme weather creates for the drama's plot and characters.

He said: "When I watched it I was like 'gosh, this doesn't look like telly, this looks like a film.'

"It's so, so beautifully shot.

"I hope the Welsh will be proud of where they're from."

As well as sharing the screen with esteemed actors, Sir Jonathan says he also enjoyed working with up-and-coming Welsh talent as part of the ensemble cast.

"There always have been fantastic Welsh actors and they're still coming," he said.

"The industry is very strong."

Having won two Tony and Olivier Awards for his work on stage, Pryce added "more investment and encouragement" was needed in Welsh theatre.

He said: "There are great hopes for Michael Sheen and the Welsh National Theatre to bring new young actors on."