Dylan Thomas in America
A one man show which since its world premiere in November 2003 has received excellent reviews, including Five Star accolades at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004 and 2005.
The play was commissioned by the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea for their 2003 International Festival commemorating the poet's life. Gwynne Edwards, a writer and lecturer, who has translated several of Lorca's plays, adapted the letters and writings of Thomas for the one man show. Every word that is spoken in Dylan Thomas in America is Dylan's. Gruffudd Jones, who has lectured at the Royal Welsh College of Drama and Music and written for TV, has brought the piece to life with his excellent direction. The actor, Peter Read, has been widely praised by Dylans's daughter, Aeronwy,r his depiction of her father.
The play, which lasts seventy minutes, illustrates the many conflicts that dogged Dylan Thomas throughout his life. The battle between the gregarious, witty performer and the private moments of bitter self-doubt; his uncertainty whether to commit himself to his wife, Caitlin, or his American lover Liz; the ongoing doubts as to whether he should be a poet, writer or actor; and his love/hate relationship with Wales and America are all captured in this intriguing piece.
For details of how to book the show contact Peter
The play was commissioned by the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea for their 2003 International Festival commemorating the poet's life. Gwynne Edwards, a writer and lecturer, who has translated several of Lorca's plays, adapted the letters and writings of Thomas for the one man show. Every word that is spoken in Dylan Thomas in America is Dylan's. Gruffudd Jones, who has lectured at the Royal Welsh College of Drama and Music and written for TV, has brought the piece to life with his excellent direction. The actor, Peter Read, has been widely praised by Dylans's daughter, Aeronwy,r his depiction of her father.
The play, which lasts seventy minutes, illustrates the many conflicts that dogged Dylan Thomas throughout his life. The battle between the gregarious, witty performer and the private moments of bitter self-doubt; his uncertainty whether to commit himself to his wife, Caitlin, or his American lover Liz; the ongoing doubts as to whether he should be a poet, writer or actor; and his love/hate relationship with Wales and America are all captured in this intriguing piece.
For details of how to book the show contact Peter
What the critics said:
"Peter Read creates a puzzled, disoriented image of the poet at the end of his tether. Dylan's text is wonderfully expressive, and Read can speak it beautifully"
(Jenni Williams, British Theatre Guide)
"... the words tumble from Read's mouth like diamonds. Theatre this exquisite is a rare thing indeed. Whether dealing with subject matter that is light-hearted ... or serious ... the immense talents of both performer and poet are obvious."
(Ruth Cameron, Fest Magazine - 5 Star Review)
"The tales of wild drinking sessions and outrageous comments that shocked his hosts are made all the funnier for Peter Read's mild, almost bewildered delivery."
(Andrea Mullaney, The Scotsman)
"The play relies heavily on Peter Read who emits an unknowing charm ... the audience revelled in Thomas' witty lyricism."
(Three weeks in Edinburgh 2004)
"In what is a hugely demanding role, Read as Thomas is exemplary, gradually uncovering over the course of an hour a performance beautifully nuanced in both delivery and movement."
(Guy Woodward, Edinburgh Guide)
"Peter Read plays the aging writer convincingly."
(Philip Fisher, British Theatre Guide)
"Peter Read as Dylan Thomas is a fabulously hypnotic performer whose passion and enthusiasm for his subject is self-evident. This superlative production knocks similar efforts into a cocked hat"
(Graham Williams, South Wales Evening Post)
"Peter Read brings Thomas so completely to life in his one-man show that he sparkles. Catch this while you can, you really will be missing out if you don't see it. Brilliant!"
(Three Weeks 2005 - Five Star Review)
"Peter Read creates a puzzled, disoriented image of the poet at the end of his tether. Dylan's text is wonderfully expressive, and Read can speak it beautifully"
(Jenni Williams, British Theatre Guide)
"... the words tumble from Read's mouth like diamonds. Theatre this exquisite is a rare thing indeed. Whether dealing with subject matter that is light-hearted ... or serious ... the immense talents of both performer and poet are obvious."
(Ruth Cameron, Fest Magazine - 5 Star Review)
"The tales of wild drinking sessions and outrageous comments that shocked his hosts are made all the funnier for Peter Read's mild, almost bewildered delivery."
(Andrea Mullaney, The Scotsman)
"The play relies heavily on Peter Read who emits an unknowing charm ... the audience revelled in Thomas' witty lyricism."
(Three weeks in Edinburgh 2004)
"In what is a hugely demanding role, Read as Thomas is exemplary, gradually uncovering over the course of an hour a performance beautifully nuanced in both delivery and movement."
(Guy Woodward, Edinburgh Guide)
"Peter Read plays the aging writer convincingly."
(Philip Fisher, British Theatre Guide)
"Peter Read as Dylan Thomas is a fabulously hypnotic performer whose passion and enthusiasm for his subject is self-evident. This superlative production knocks similar efforts into a cocked hat"
(Graham Williams, South Wales Evening Post)
"Peter Read brings Thomas so completely to life in his one-man show that he sparkles. Catch this while you can, you really will be missing out if you don't see it. Brilliant!"
(Three Weeks 2005 - Five Star Review)
