Making its London premiere at the Park Theatre, Farewell Mr Haffmann is a thought-provoking play that delves into the complexities of survival and moral compromise during one of history’s darkest periods—Nazi-occupied Paris. This absorbing production, adapted by Jeremy Sams from Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s award-winning play, not only resonates with its historical context but also echoes the moral dilemmas faced in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Set in 1942, the play follows Jewish jeweller Joseph Haffmann, played by Alex Waldmann, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of occupied Paris. Desperate to avoid deportation, Joseph turns to his trusted employee Pierre Vigneau, portrayed by Michael Fox, for help.
The deal they strike—transferring ownership of the jewellery shop in exchange for hiding Joseph—comes with an unexpected condition that tests the boundaries of morality and loyalty. This risky arrangement is further complicated by the involvement of a Nazi officer and his flamboyant wife, played by Nigel Harman and Jemima Rooper, respectively, who become entangled in the characters’ lives through a Matisse painting.
The cast’s performances are a highlight of the production. The ensemble, which includes Jennifer Kirby as Isabelle Vigneau, delivers a nuanced portrayal of characters caught in a web of desperation and deceit. The chemistry between Waldmann, Fox, and Kirby is electric, capturing the tension and intimacy that develops as their characters navigate their precarious situation.
As Otto Abetz (Hitler’s real envoy to Paris) Nigel Harman is chillingly terrifying, a dinner party scene has the audience as nervous, unsettled and terrified, as the characters. Bringing a sense of unpredictability and danger to the narrative is just the beginning, a throwaway line about how he fell in love with Hitler because of his charm and vision for Europe felt particularly resonant in March 2025.
One of the play’s most striking aspects is its ability to balance humour and suspense. It is, at times, incredibly funny, and this is best seen with the character of Suzanne Abetz, played beautifully by Jemima Rooper. At one moment the audience is howling with laughter, in the next they are gasping in shock.
This blend creates a unique viewing experience that challenges audiences to confront the absurdity and horror of war alongside the resilience of the human spirit. The play’s use of dark humour serves as a coping mechanism, mirroring how people often find levity in the darkest of times, and Oscar Toeman’s direction balances these concepts perfectly.
The set and costume design by Rebecca Brower effectively transport the audience to the claustrophobic world of occupied Paris. The use of lighting by Christopher Nairne enhances the atmosphere, creating moments of stark contrast between the characters’ private struggles and the public facade they must maintain. The sound design by Asaf Zohar complements the tension, weaving together the sounds of war and the characters’ inner turmoil.
The historical context of Farewell Mr Haffmann significantly enhances its emotional impact. By exploring the impossible choices faced by individuals during World War II, particularly Jewish people or those connected to them, the play highlights the universal themes of survival, loyalty, and moral compromise. The play’s exploration of how power dynamics shift under extreme circumstances serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
Farewell Mr Haffmann is an utterly gripping production that masterfully explores the human condition under extreme duress. With its talented cast and timely themes, this play is a testament to the enduring power of theatre to provoke, inspire, and connect us all.
