Under Milk Wood

The challenge for staging Under Milk Wood is how to bring to life a play which does not really have a plot but is an illustration or observation of Welsh village life over 24 hours, complete with a vast array of extraordinary characters. The director did just that, bringing together six others and infusing in them her love of the play. She had worked with them to develop some eccentric characterisations, impressive Welsh accents and perfect timing of their lines which helped the play bounce along. The use of masks at the beginning and end for the ‘drowned’ was very effective and added a surreal element to their dialogue. Having so many parts played by a small number of actors who are always on stage was cleverly managed by having hats, scarves, jackets and other costume hung around the stage for the cast to put on quickly. The set was cleverly designed with multiple levels giving a variety of acting spaces. The flats at the back and sides had been painted with a white brick effect which was very striking. The set was a cohesive acting space and although the stage was small, the set builders had made the most of the space.

Well done to everyone for putting together this production in only five weeks and on the performance. Thank you again for inviting me and I look forward to joining you again later in the year. 

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