REVIEW: “Under Milk Wood”, Loft Theatre

Tony Homer reviews “Under Milk Wood” at the Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa.

What A Wonderful Welsh World 

‘To begin at the beginning, it is spring’, seemed totally apt this Easter Sunday afternoon at The Loft Theatre.

It is always pleasing and satisfying when you enjoy something more than you expected. Not that I was unsure about watching a ‘reading’ of Under Milk Wood, just that I didn’t know what to expect from a performance which was set in a 1950’s radio studio. Seventy years ago the BBC commissioned a play (or is it a very long poem?) by Dylan Thomas. It entertained back then and it entertained again today. Through a cleverly crafted set by Amy Carroll we see the actors and those also playing instruments slowly enter the Studio on stage, awaiting the ‘On Air’ from the broadcast stage manager.

Fourteen actors drawn from the best of the Loft company, are beautifully dressed in 1950’s costume, all period dresses and cravats. Director David Fletcher takes on the role of First Voice and Glynis Fletcher backing him as second voice and other parts. Completing the family affair is Jonathan Fletcher who not only brings a confidence to all his roles but has also composed original music for the piece.

It feels churlish or dangerous to single out individuals from such a fine ensemble, but here I go. The steadfast presence of Bryan Ferriman as Captain Cat, upstage and given his own comfortable chair, dressed in cable knit sweater, wearing his navy cap, was impeccable. Both Martha Allen-Smith and Rosie Pankhurst were joyous in their roles of Gossamer Beynon and Lily Smalls but also provided excellent musicianship on violin and accordion. Bravo. Matthew Salisbury seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his time on stage and roused us in song as Mr Waldo. And Jo Banbury was utterly captivating as Polly Garter and gave a mesmerising rendition of the ‘Little Willy Wee’ song. Apologies to the unnamed who should all be congratulated. Oh, go on, Charlotte, John, Jessica, Ann, Michael and hugely bearded Harry.

Thomas may well have created Under Milk Wood as a way of responding to the horrors of recent wars by reminding us of the essential beauty of our surroundings. Certainly, it feels a timely reminder to us that people and places and memories and stories do matter. In this holiday week do not hesitate to spend an evening in Llareggub.

Tony Homer

“Under Milk Wood” runs until Saturday 6th April – tickets here.