The Royal Shakespeare Company has embarked on one of its most ambitious projects in recent years, staging a monumental two-part adaptation of John Galsworthy's classic novel sequence, The Forsyte Saga. This epic production, which runs for a total of seven hours across two separate performances, has opened at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.
A Mammoth Theatrical Undertaking
Directed by the RSC's Associate Director, Polly Findlay, this adaptation condenses Galsworthy's sprawling narrative of the wealthy Forsyte family across three generations. The story, set against the shifting social landscape from the Victorian era to the 1920s, is presented in two distinct parts. Part One premiered on 28 November 2025, with Part Two following on 5 December 2025. Audiences can choose to watch them on separate days or experience the full saga in a single day during marathon performances.
The production boasts a significant creative team. The adaptation for the stage was crafted by playwright Stephen Sharkey, while the sweeping set design is the work of Lizzie Clachan. The cast is led by Jonathan McGuinness as the central, possessive figure of Soames Forsyte and Katherine Kingsley as his enigmatic and trapped wife, Irene.
Critical Reception and Staging Challenges
Initial critical response has acknowledged the sheer scale of the endeavour while noting the inherent challenges of bringing such a dense, multi-volume work to the stage. The production attempts to capture the novel's intricate dissection of property, passion, and class within the confines of a theatrical setting. The use of the Swan Theatre's intimate space for a story of such epic scope has been a particular point of discussion, with the design aiming to evoke the oppressive grandeur of the Forsyte world.
Performances have been highlighted as a key strength, with McGuinness's portrayal of Soames's rigid entitlement and Kingsley's nuanced depiction of Irene's quiet defiance receiving particular attention. The ensemble work across the large cast is crucial in mapping the complex family dynamics and feuds that drive the saga's narrative forward over decades.
A Landmark Event for the RSC
This production represents a notable departure from the RSC's traditional Shakespearean and classical repertoire, signalling a commitment to large-scale narrative storytelling. Staging a seven-hour, two-part play is a significant logistical and artistic gamble, designed to offer a deep, immersive experience for dedicated theatregoers. Its success or failure will likely be measured not just by critical opinion but by audience willingness to commit to the full, extended journey through the Forsytes' troubled history.
The RSC's The Forsyte Saga is now in performance at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The run presents a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with a landmark piece of English literature in a bold and uncompromising theatrical format.
