Christmas family dramas are as festive as mince pies and mistletoe – from Den Watts handing Angie her divorce papers in EastEnders to that unforgettable will they/won’t they Gavin & Stacey cliffhanger. But rather than settling down in front of the telly this year, why not experience a drama of epic proportions live on stage?
The Forsyte Saga, playing at the RSC this winter, promises an evening (or two) of sumptuous storytelling, romance, scandal and style. Think Succession meets Downton Abbey – with all the power plays, heartbreak and glamour you’d expect.
John Galsworthy’s sweeping tale has been captivating audiences for more than a century, and now it’s been given a dazzling update in two parts at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Swan Theatre. Spanning more than forty years, from the 1880s to the 1920s, this production charts one family’s fortunes against a backdrop of love, loss and social upheaval. Here’s why it deserves a starring role in your festive calendar.
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The Original Power Family
The Forsyte Saga is the ultimate period drama before period dramas were even a thing. It’s a compelling story of ambition and betrayal that follows an influential family as they grapple with the changing world around them. This fresh production, adapted by Shaun McKenna and Lin Coghlan, reimagines the story through the eyes of its remarkable women – Irene and Fleur – giving new emotional depth and a contemporary edge to Galsworthy’s timeless tale.
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A Story That Endures
First a literary sensation, then a 1960s TV phenomenon that had the nation glued to the small screen, The Forsyte Saga has long been a touchstone of British storytelling. Now, as a brand-new Channel 5 series reintroduces it to television audiences, this stage version at the RSC brings the story to life in an intimate, emotionally charged way. Director Josh Roche leads a creative team that includes set and costume designer Anna Yates and lighting designer Alex Musgrave, ensuring every moment is steeped in beauty, precision and atmosphere.
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Critics Are Raving About It
Following its 5 star, sold-out run at London’s Park Theatre, this new stage version has been winning over both critics and audiences. Described by The Observer as “a first-rate production – splendid” and hailed by The Stage as “sweeping…ambitious…gripping,” this is storytelling that captivates from curtain up to final bow.
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Two Parts, One Epic Experience
Why settle for one story when you can have the full saga? The production is told across two plays – Part 1: Irene and Part 2: Fleur. Each one is brimming with passion, secrets and high-stakes emotion. In Irene, we meet the Victorian Forsytes – nouveau riche, proud and possessive – as Soames’s obsession with his wife leads to tragedy and the shattering of family ties. Decades later in Fleur, the next generation inherits both the wealth and the wounds of their ancestors, as forbidden love reignites old scandals with devastating consequences.
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The Stratford Experience
Set in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon, the Swan Theatre is intimate, characterful and perfectly suited to a story of shifting fortunes. With tickets from just £16, The Forsyte Saga offers the chance to experience world-class theatre in one of the UK’s most beautiful cultural settings. Before the performance, enjoy seasonal dining at the Rooftop Restaurant at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where floor-to-ceiling views over the River Avon provide a stunning backdrop.
