Under Milk Wood | Theatr Clwyd

As part of their 50th anniversary season and the theatre's ongoing passion for innovative and community-focused projects, Artistic Director Kate Wasserberg brings Dylan Thomas' famous drama Under Milk Wood to Theatr Clwyd.

Set in the fictional seaside town Llareggub (or 'buggerall' backwards), we follow the thoughts and desires of the eccentric villagers in a day in the life. Through lyrical poetry and physical performance, we are introduced to lots of different characters as they interact with their world. For fans of Dylan Thomas, this production will no doubt delight with inventive theatricality. However, for those unaware of his works (guilty), there are oftentimes where you feel alienated due to the fast paced wordy piece and jumping between characters.

This is no doubt a criticism of the entire cast, who do a tremendous job of bringing depth to Thomas' words. Wasserberg and Laura Meaton as movement director ensure that the cast embody the richness of the spoken word, propelling the words forward with ease. The first act is particularly relentless, and each member of the cast is captivating and you can sense the spirit and passion of the words in their performance. However, the piece does start to feel monotonous due to the subject matter.

A particular strength of this production is how seamlessly inclusivity is embedded within, both for cast members and audiences alike. Several of the cast are members of the deaf community and a member of the cast is a wheelchair user. Yet this is all considered with the utmost respect and each cast member blends seamlessly into the production. It feels really natural and it is refreshing to witness accessibility thriving in such an uplifting way. Joshua Pharo and Sarah Readman's video caption design allows the rhythmic language to soar across the stage, with beautiful video elements that enhance the dreamlike state.

Hayley Grindle's set design creates and idyllic village with houses stacked up and a lit up village hovering above the stage. Oliver Vibrans' compositions and Liam Quinn's sound design creates atmosphere and further enhanced the dreamlike state of the town.

Under Milk Wood is a unique theatrical experience that stuns with the fantastic overall performances from the cast and the beautiful productional elements. It serves as a reminder to enjoy the simplicity of life, and any fan of poetry or Dylan Thomas will revel in the opportunity to witness this piece of literature unfold on stage.

Under Milk Wood plays at Theatr Clwyd until 04th April 2026 - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★☆☆ (3*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Richard Lakos