UNDER MILK WOOD: AN OPERA | STAGE REVIEW
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, Fri 11 Apr
In preparation for this unique interpretation of Dylan Thomas’ radio play Under Milk Wood I downloaded Richard Burton’s famous version, then continued to not listen to it. This is something I regretted once we started being introduced to the weird and wonderful characters of Llareggub and I heard other audience members whisper excitedly when they realised who was who. Once the show got into full swing, however, I was completed captured by odd world I had been dropped in and I enjoyed every moment of it.
This opera was unlike any other opera I’ve seen before, and not just because of the refreshing source material. Director Keith Turnbull embraced the poem’s radio roots by creating a stage that looked like a radio studio. There was no separation between the musicians and the singers as they shared the stage and often switched from one job title to another. Better still was the live sound effects made on stage – buckets of water created the sounds of the seaside, while the postman carried around a door knocker and footsteps were given resonance from a tray of gravel. It was a fascinating and extremely effective way to start off.
The music, created by John Metcalf, fit perfectly with the poem and both the musicians and the singers did it much justice. It’s amazing how well a welsh accent lends itself to opera!
Micheal Douglas Jones’ Captain Cat sat in his rocking chair, centre stage, for the duration of the show and was an excellent anchor in the constantly changing narrative of Under Milk Wood. His Bass baritone was beautifully echoing and it was heart wrenching seeing his joy at the local school children’s songs and his sorrow remembering his long dead lover.
Jones’ was surrounded by an equally strong cast, each of them taking on several characters. Often these different personalities would have a small costume change (a cardigan, pair of glasses or messed up hair) but seeing the actors change shape, stature, face and voice was impressive. Sometimes they could change characters three times without ever leaving the stage.
As soon as the show finished the audience (many standing up) cheered and the moment the house lights went up the auditorium was a flurry of conversation about who was their favourite character. Although all the cast were fantastic I have to indulge in the same discussion and give a special mention to Paul Carey Jones’ gossip postman and Helen Jane Howells’ chatty teen, as well as their combination as the bitter married couple Mr and Mrs Pugh. Gweneth-Ann Jeffers’ tough widow was hilarious and both Richard Morris’ drunken fool and dead husband were a joy to watch.
Now absolutely captured by the world of Under Milk Wood I am certain to listen to Richard Burton at some point soon. John Metcalf and his team have managed to create and fun, exciting and beautiful piece of theatre setting the country’s most famous poem to music. It makes you wonder why some local opera companies turn to Italian classics when Wales itself has such beautiful poetry on offer, and the voices to match.
words HEATHER ARNOLD photos KIRSTEN MCTERNAN
Sherman Cymru, Cardiff, until Sat 12. Tickets: £15-£25 / £7.50-£23 conc. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk