Orphans – Jermyn Street Theatre

Orphans was written by Philadelphia-born Lyle Kessler and first staged in 1983, directed by Gary Sinise at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, before going on to a successful Off-Broadway run. Later, in 1986, the play transferred to London’s West End, earning Albert Finney an Olivier Award, followed by a filmed version in 1987.

Set in Philadelphia, two brothers, Treat (Chris Walley) and Phillip (Fred Woodley Evans), live a strange life brought on by the abandonment of their father at an early age and the death of their mother. Treat, the elder brother, takes his role as caretaker seriously and has instilled an unhealthy fear of the outside world into Phillip in order to keep him from harm. But what effect will a stranger entering their small world have on the brothers’ relationship?

Set designer Sarah Beaton has risen to the challenge of designing a stage within the small space of Jermyn Street Theatre. The set draws the audience into Treat and Phillip’s home, but more importantly into the prison walls of Phillip’s world. With the set acting as a strong visual foundation, and complemented by the lighting design (Simeon Miller), sound design (Donato Wharton), the writing (Kessler), direction by Al Miller, and the performances, the production more than satisfies the curious viewer as the brothers’ complicated lives unfold.

Forbes Masson, as Harold, enters their world as an apparent victim of kidnapping, but soon becomes a guiding light, opening their minds to a different reality. Several themes are at play, particularly the relationship between the brothers. Phillip appears terrified of the outside world and hides in a closet, while Treat’s aggressive nature—reacting violently to perceived injustice rather than acting as a mediator—raises questions about whether his actions stem from fear that if he does not strike first, he may become the victim himself.

Walley plays Treat as a violent thief who prefers stealing and intimidation over honest work, but Masson’s portrayal of Harold disrupts this narrative. By tidying Treat up, giving him a sense of self-confidence, and challenging him to reflect on his actions and their logic, Harold becomes a catalyst for change. Masson leads the cast with a reassuring and commanding presence, drawing on his experience to anchor the production.

The question that hangs in the air throughout the play is: why does Harold stay? I will leave you to consider this as you watch the play, as there are several possible conclusions. One thing is certain—you will leave scratching your head and pondering.

From beginning to end, the performances were superb. I was slightly disappointed with the ending, which felt somewhat shoehorned in, but this was my only concern in an otherwise expertly directed and performed production.

Well done to Jermyn Street Theatre for yet another fabulous revival play!

If you wish to go along to Jermyn Street Theatre to watch Orphans, or indeed any of their future productions, go to – https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/.  Orphans runs until the 24^th January 2026.

Reviewer: Caroline Worswick

Reviewed: 8^th January 2026

North West End UK Rating: