THEATRE REVIEWS

Under Milk Wood, one of the world’s greatest radio plays, by Dylan Thomas, is performed by the Welsh Theatre Company as a stage production.

The curtain backdrop carries a projected image of Dylan Thomas and the stage is mostly unembellished except for a bar table and chair where Dylan Thomas, portrayed by Russell Gomer, sits writing this play.

The performance opens casually with the eight actors milling around on the unconventional tilted stage. The light drops untilÊa spotlight remains on Dylan Thomas’ face where he proceeds to deliver the prologue as the village sleeps. Your immediate attention is gained as you home in on his clear and enthralling voice.

As day breaks and darkness lifts, he describes the various goings on in the village of Llareggub from dawn till dusk accompanied by the second voice of Erica Eirian. Six performers enact the happenings of this eventful day. Very few props are used and each actor takes on three roles. This could be initially confusing as there were no costume changes. The actors play their parts very well making good use of the unusual stage orientation and there is never a dull moment. Director, Michael Bogdanov, ensures the performance is an accurate adaptation.

Reaching the end of the play, the actors pause whilst Dylan Thomas ponders over what to write next. This instilled the feeling that you were present and involved at the time of the writing of the play. The play finally draws to a close as darkness once again falls and the actors return to sleep after a very eventful day.

I found this to be an eye-opening performance which gave excellent insight into the lives and world of the people living in a small Welsh village.© SG

“Under Milk Wood” is in Sheffield on the 18th May to 22nd May, 2004 and then continues a nationwide tour.