Portrait of Dylan

In the year of the Centenary of his birth it was most fitting that this company, of which Dylan Thomas was once a member, should present a play about Dylan in the Theatre named after him.
This production oozed class and was beautifully but simply directed and I was particularly impressed with the choreography of the ensemble, who worked as a unit.
Dave Jenkins as the Hotel Porter, the narrator of the story, was excellent bringing both humour and pathos to the role. He held his audience throughout.
Mark Rees in the central role of Dylan was most convincing and made us look at Dylan in a totally different light. It was difficult to accept that this was a performance  -  he was Dylan!!
As the much done by wife Caitlin – Kelly-Ann Allen met all the challenges of this complex character and at times her performance was harrowing , especially in the abortion scene. She covered the whole range of emotional moods with consummate ease.
Everyone in the ensemble played with  conviction as they covered a range of parts. They were impeccable in their movement. I was most impressed with Richard Watkins as the “young” Dylan – this was a detailed and greatly controlled performance.
The setting of this production was simple with a backdrop painted by Linda Armstrong which encapsulated the important locales in the life of Dylan.
This production richly deserved a fuller attendance.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.