In Under Salt Marsh, Dylan Rees has quite a simple but happy life in Morfa Harlen. Working on fortifying the sea wall to protect the community from the encroaching tide, Dylan spends his evenings drinking with his mates, checking in on his sister Cara, and keeping an eye on his nephew, James.

He’s also in a secret relationship with Jackie, with his impulsive nature appealing to her more sturdy way of life. While the pair keep their rendezvous hush-hush, it’s clear that his feelings for her run deeper than he’d like to let on – and may even not want to keep it so hidden anymore.

But when Cefin’s death rocks the community and an oncoming storm threatens the whole town, how will Dylan cope with the new pressures on his family, his relationship and himself?

Speaking ahead of the series, actor Harry Lawtey talks about the joy of embracing a classic British crime drama, the ups and downs of being on set, and what viewers should take away from the show.

It’s a quintessential British crime drama, but with a modern, existential twist. Set in a fictional coastal town in North Wales, the story unfolds against a backdrop of trauma and an impending storm — both emotional and environmental. It’s about reckoning, community, and survival.

I was hooked. I stopped noticing the page count, which is always a good sign. You’re not reading it from a professional vantage point. You’re reading it as an audience member, and you’re placed within the context, and immersed in the world. The writing is muscular and invigorating, with complex characters and a fresh take on familiar crime drama tropes. It felt immersive and compelling.

It highlights both the beauty and the claustrophobia of tight-knit communities. There’s strength in unity, but also danger in being othered or left to fend for yourself. The show examines how dialogue and relationships in these towns can fester if not nurtured.

It’s a fictional town, but it mirrors many real post-industrial towns across Britain — places craving identity and facing existential threats. The show asks what it means to stay, to leave, and who bears responsibility for these communities.

Yes. My parents are from Barton-upon-Humber, and I’ve spent many holidays there. I also grew up on a military base in Cyprus, which was its own kind of tight-knit community. That mix of loyalty and the desire to leave is something I relate to deeply.

Dylan is a young man with a checkered past — misguided in his teens but trying to grow into someone better. He’s loyal, passionate, and romantic, though rough around the edges. He’s searching for identity and belonging in a town that doesn’t offer much pride. His relationship with Jackie becomes a lifeline — a source of hope and grounding.

I’m often drawn to “lost boys” — characters with vulnerability beneath a tough exterior. Dylan is misunderstood, quick to anger, but ultimately soft-hearted. Unpacking that complexity is always compelling for me as an actor.

He’s trying to find his place. He belongs to Morfa Halen in a deep, intrinsic way, but he’s still searching for a tribe. There’s a line I heard recently: “people become dangerous when you take pride away from them.” Dylan wants to feel proud of where he’s from, but he’s struggling to find reasons to.

It starts off charged and lustful, but grows into something deeper — trust, dependence, and emotional grounding. Jackie becomes a stabilising force for Dylan, someone who fills a void.

Their relationship is unconventional, but in the context of the show’s chaos, it makes sense. Hopefully, audiences will root for them.

Incredible. The rain, wind, and weather add so much atmosphere and realism. It’s a gift as an actor — you don’t have to imagine the stakes, you’re living them. It’s immersive and intuitive. The ambition behind those scenes was one of the things that drew me to the project.

Claire is so brilliant — calm, grounded, and collaborative. She’s the creative force behind the show, and having one person as the writer- director makes everything clearer and more cohesive. She’s generous with her ideas and not precious about the material, which makes for a great working relationship.

Kelly is a force of nature. She carries the show with grace, humour, and generosity. She sets the tone for the cast and crew, and working with her has been a joy. We’ve had a lot of laughs, and I’ve come away with huge admiration and gratitude.

It’s an incredible ensemble. Jonathan Pryce is a master — I’ve had the privilege of watching him work up close. Rafe is sharp and engaging, Mark Stanley is brilliant, and James (who plays a younger character) brought spontaneity and instinct that kept me on my toes. Dinita, Naomi, Brian — everyone has been fantastic.

Who isn’t? Especially in the UK, we do them well. It becomes a cultural talking point, something you want to share and discuss. Under Salt Marsh has that potential.

It’s a cautionary tale. The storm is ever-present, but not heavy-handed. It reflects the existential threats we all face and how they intersect with our everyday lives. The show warns against apathy - eventually, we all have to confront the reality of climate change.

But it's also a story of hope and resilience, and how communities pull together when everything feels precarious. Because if there’s no community left, nothing else matters.

Lots of rain! But also a compelling, visceral drama with complex characters and high stakes. It’s a story of trauma, reckoning, and resilience—with heart and community at its core.

Muscular. Invigorating. Hearty.