Under the Salt Marsh: Claire Oakley’s Sky Crime Miniseries

Introduction: Why Under the Salt Marsh matters

Under the Salt Marsh is an eagerly anticipated British crime thriller created by Claire Oakley. The series has drawn attention both for its high-profile cast — led by Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall — and for its on-location filming across North Wales. For viewers of contemporary UK drama, the production’s combination of established talent, regional filming locations and a tightly focused premise make it a notable addition to the current slate of television crime storytelling.

Main body: Cast, creative team and production details

Creative origin and premise

The series was created by Claire Oakley and is presented as a television miniseries in the crime/thriller genre. Series descriptions identify a central premise in which a detective-turned-teacher investigates a shocking situation, positioning the drama at the intersection of personal reinvention and investigative tension.

Principal and supporting cast

In October 2024 the full cast was announced. Leads include Kelly Reilly and Rafe Spall, joined in main roles by Sir Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Yang and Harry Lawtey. The supporting ensemble comprises Dinita Gohil, Brian Gleeson, Kimberley Nixon, Mark Stanley, Dino Fetscher, Lizzie Annis, Rhodri Meilir and Julian Lewis Jones. Press coverage has described the production as a Sky Original crime thriller, underlining its place within the broadcaster’s crime-focused output.

Location and local significance

Filming took place across Gwynedd and on Anglesey in 2025. Sir Jonathan Pryce has spoken about the opportunity to return to what he called the “land of my fathers,” noting that the role offered a chance to inhabit a north Wales character and to work with local and emerging Welsh talent. Pryce, who grew up in Holywell, referenced memories of market days and rural characters as part of his connection to the role and the locations used.

Conclusion: Outlook and significance for viewers

Under the Salt Marsh combines a strong cast, regional filming and a compact thriller premise, making it likely to attract viewers interested in character-driven crime drama. The involvement of Welsh locations and comments from Sir Jonathan Pryce also suggest the series may resonate locally and contribute to interest in Wales as a filming destination. While release details were not provided in the available information, the October 2024 cast announcement and 2025 location work indicate the production is well advanced and likely to feature prominently in upcoming Sky crime programming.