Dylan Thomas’s play for voices returns to the theatre that bears his name, where the writer himself was a member in the 1930s. Reviewer Jonathan Marshall finds a committed cast playing to Thomas’s tune, and a first night that could have taken more time to breathe. It runs until Saturday 31 October.
You might be forgiven for assuming Swansea’s very own Dylan Thomas authored a canon of plays. This is largely thanks to the writer’s defining stage work Under Milk Wood. It is regularly revived and known to many thanks to its 1971 film incarnation starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.
In fact, Thomas only ever penned two, with Under Milk Wood, a project he developed between 1933 and 1953, originally written for radio.
It shows. Famously known as a ‘play for voices’, this is a static piece very much centred on the lyrical language narrated by Voice, here played by Rob Phillips.
In many ways this is a play about nothing and a play about everything. Shining a spotlight on the humdrum mundanity of life for the villagers of Llareggub (buggerall backwards), Thomas transforms the pedestrian to the profound. A host of eccentric inhabitants are presented like a fly on the wall documentary.
Those seeking clear plot and narrative might need to look elsewhere. Under Milk Wood sees us witness the slumbering villagers dream, their subconscious coming to the fore, which is then contrasted with their monotonous, waking routines.
From Captain Cat recalling deceased shipmates in his sleep to Polly pining for her dead lover to the Postman, who steams open the mail to read private correspondence with his wife before spreading gossip, a combination of relatable archetypes and Welsh stereotypes populate the play.
It is therefore very much up to the cast and creatives to inject as much theatricality as possible. While the words and the rhythm of the writing are a joy to hear, ultimately theatre is a visual medium, and audiences expect active and engaging storytelling rather than a simple recital.
As interesting a concept as this is, it permits the actors relatively little to work with. While we know who they are, their roles within the community and their attitudes, no time is afforded for any real character development. Then again, it is not that kind of play. Other than ‘Voice’, no cast member can showcase all their skills here. Rather, they play to the beats of Thomas and his tune and, admittedly, that is what the audience have come for.
Swansea Little Theatre do their best with the material, although some scenes and lines feel rushed and, sadly, a lot of the potential comedy is not mined deeply enough. It might be a case of first night nerves, but if the cast stopped to take a breath and enjoy the performance more, this would echo out to the audience. The pacing could also do with some work, the tempo of the piece often failing to flow to the rhythm it could. The cast are clearly committed but feel a tad restrained.
Universal themes prevail. Life in all its guises, from birth through to death, are glimpsed at while Thomas examines the human condition. There is a reason why Swansea Little Theatre have repeatedly revisited this work and audiences the world over continue to flock to performances.
There is also pleasing resonance here, not only because the very theatre we are in is named after Thomas but because the writer himself was a member back in 1931. He remained with the company until his departure for London in 1934. It’s interesting to think he was contemplating and musing over this very play during this time.
Definitively and proudly Welsh and forever in the country’s cultural history, it is comforting to know Swansea Little Theatre will continue to proudly present this incomparable, inimitable comedy drama.
It’s only running until Saturday so whether it’s your first time or you’re au fait with the play, get down to the marina and sample the poetry of Swansea’s literary great.
Under Milk Wood is presented by Swansea Little Theatre and directed by Frances Purchase. It is at the Dylan Thomas Theatre from 28 to 31 October. Tickets are available online or from the box office on 01792 473238.
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