Orphans – Jermyn Street Theatre Orphans, was written by Philadelphia born Lyle Kessler and first staged in 1983 and directed by Gary Sinise at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre for a successful Off Broadway run. Later in 1986 came a London West End run earning Albert Finney an Olivier, following up with 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 being the elder brother, takes his role as caretaker of his younger brother seriously, and has instilled an unhealthy fear of the outside world into Phillip, to keep him from harm. But what affect 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 in such a small space as Jermyn Street Theatre, the set brings the audience into Treat and Phillip’s home, but especially the prison walls of Phillip’s world. With the set as a visual foundation to the story, complemented by the lighting design (Simeon Miller), sound design (Donato Wharton), the writing (Kessler), direction by Al Miller, and performances by the actors, more than satisfies the curious viewer as the complicated life of the brothers unfolds. Forbes Masson as Harold, enters their world as an apparent victim of kidnapping, but soon becomes a guiding light in opening their minds to a different reality. There are several things at play here, examining the relationship between the brothers – Phillip who appears scared of the outside world, and hides in the closet, but the aggressive nature of Treat, reacting violently to unjust acts instead of acting as a mediator, calls into question whether these reactions are from fear that if he does not strike out first, then he may become the victim. Walley plays Treat as being a violent thief who would rather steal and intimidate than do an honest day’s work, but Masson’s Harold unbalances this narrative by tidying him up thereby giving him some self-confidence, and asking him to look at his actions, and the logic to them. It is Masson who leads the cast, bringing in his experience with his reassured, strong presence.
The question that is hanging in the air throughout the play is – why does Harold stay? I will leave you to think about this as you watch the play, as there are several conclusions that I considered as options. The one thing that is for sure – you will leave scratching your head and pondering!
From beginning to end, the performances were superb, I was a little disappointed with the ending, it did seem to have been shoehorned in, but this is my only concern for this expertly directed and performed play.
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 24th January 2026.
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick Reviewed: 8th January 2026 North West End UK Rating: ****
