Review by Daz Gale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One of France’s most successful and long-running plays gets its long-awaited London premiere, following its English language debut in Bath in 2023 as Farewell Mister Haffmann moves into Park Theatre, sitting alongside One Day When We Were Young for a double dose of plays set during World War II. With themes that are still shockingly relevant today (perhaps even more so than they were a year ago), would this receive the same rapturous reception it did in France?
Taking place in Paris from 1942 onwards, Farewell Mister Haffmann sees the titular character make a rather unconventional deal. Faced with the very real threat of Jews being rounded up for deportation, Joseph Haffmann transfers ownership of his jewellery shop to his trusted employee, Pierre in exchange for being hidden from the Nazis. However, Pierre makes the deal even more unconventional, requesting Joseph takes part in an intimate relationship so she can get pregnant – something he is unable to do himself. As relationships get tested and become strained, so too does Pierre’s ambition and influence within certain circles, leading to one of the most awkward dinner parties you will ever see on stage.
Originally written by Jean-Philippe Daguerre, Farewell Mister Haffmann has been adapted in an English language version by Jeremy Sams, meticulously translating the extremely contrasting themes and tones present in the play. Though the situation is very grave and not one to make light of, Farewell Mister Haffmann is surprisingly full of humour, though this never detracts from the weight of the situation and is admirable in its fine ability of balancing the two conflicting tones. Fear of what might happen and empathy and sorrow for all that took place over the War are always present, though the ability to laugh at some of the more absurd moments in the play makes this an intriguing and ultimately riveting watch.
The laughter begins as soon as the initial deal reveals itself. What begins as a strictly serious play quickly reveals itself to be less straightforward than that as the extreme offer being discussed between Joseph, Pierre and his wife Isabelle make for some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. With writing full of innuendo and clever wordplay, the laughs come thick and fast, particularly if your mind immediately connects a double entendre as mine always will. In both Daguerre’s original and Sams’ adaptation, the writing is exquisite throughout, full of richness and wonders as revelations continue to crop up and plot twists leave you on the edge of your seat throughout in a pace that never falters throughout its singular 95-minute act.
Just as you are getting to grips with the complexities of the relationship between the three main characters, the play is transformed completely with the arrival of two further characters. The result is a prolonged scene set around a dinner table that elevates the play considerably. Though Farewell Mister Haffmann was already a captivating production, this scene raises the stakes to create a sequence full of tension, comedy and awkwardness in equal measure, with hilarious moments immediately followed by something that could genuinely make you jump. Just when you think you know where the action is going, something will rip the rug right from under you and leave you completely blindsided in what I consider to be pure theatre gold.
The success in the weaving of differing tones is largely down to inspired direction from Oscar Toeman, who masterfully teases moments and reveals, knowing when to strike for maximum impact. The real tension is expertly handled, as are the contrasting characteristics of each of the five-strong cast all of whom have been painstakingly realised. Rebecca Brower’s set design transports the action to various rooms in Pierre, Isabelle and formerly Mister Haffmann’s home, with Christopher Nairne’s lighting used to great effect throughout.
Alex Waldmann takes on the role of Joseph Haffmann, beautifully embodying the wildly differing parts of his personality as he struggles to make sense of this ever-changing world that doesn’t seem to want him in it anymore. Moments of sorrow and introspection pave way for a surprising change in his character, with Waldmann delighting at the moments he is allowed into the spotlight, particularly in that incredibly awkward dinner party.
Michael Fox is a standout as Pierre Vigneau, tying all the other characters together and pushing the plot along as his ambition threatens to unravel everything. While the question over Pierre’s motives, beliefs and how likeable the character actually is hangs over everyone’s heads throughout. The same cannot be said for Fox who thrills with a captivating and commanding performance consistently. Showing a great knack for comic timing and perfectly showcasing the differing sides of Pierre, his performance demands your eyes are never taken off of him – something that you wouldn’t dare do anyway, especially in his outstanding albeit unexpected tap-dancing sequences.
Pierre’s wife, Isabelle is played by Jennifer Kirby in a slow-burn performance as her character seemingly gets no say in the unconventional relationship she finds herself in. However, Kirby relishes at this, knowing exactly when to make her performance bigger, leaving her with some of the most memorable moments throughout. The late arrival of Nigel Harman and Jemima Rooper as Otto and Suzanne Abetz changes the tone significantly, with Harman spookily ominous as Otto. However, it is Rooper’s appearance that proves the most memorable in a performance that doesn’t just steal the scene, it makes it near impossible for anyone to match her. Larger than life and fabulously eccentric, her character is a joy to watch throughout and left me longing to see more for her – perhaps she can get her own spin-off play in the future?
Farewell Mister Haffmann is full of surprises – just when you think you know where it is going, it will shock you completely. That is what makes it so thrilling to watch in a production full of tension and comedy. Though these are two utterly conflicting tones, the one thing they have in common is how utterly enjoyable it is to watch unfold. With some truly fantastic performances and top-notch writing, this production is a jewel in the crown when it comes to London theatre. Though it’s only at Park Theatre for a short run, I hope we only have to say a temporary farewell to this magnificent show and that it comes back again soon.
Farewell Mister Haffmann plays at Park Theatre until 12th April. Tickets from www.parktheatre.co.uk
Photos by Mark Senior