Under Milk Wood

It was such a pleasure to share the Saint David's Day celebrations, with Christchurch Music Society for their opening performance of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas, at the Christchurch Hall Newport. This was a very different undertaking for the society and a great opportunity to show the depth of talent within the membership.

As always, the superb stage set and design by John Parfitt set the scene and placed the audience in the mystical presence of the village of Llareggub. From the opening words, so well known to many, the audience was completely drawn into the story, like a nosy neighbour taking in the twists and turns of the lives of the village. The skills of the cast made everyone feel involved.

The changing scenes were very successfully depicted by the smooth movements of the cast, who rarely left the stage but remained in statuesque formation as a backdrop to each principal performance. The stage design and excellent lighting from Craig Davis and Sarah Purnell Davis creating the hypnotic atmosphere required to enhance the words of the great poet.

It is impossible to extract any one performance from the telling of this iconic tale, as the smooth movement of the story depends on each and every sentence being delivered in perfect timing, bringing to life the characters we know so well. The emotion the humour and the characters within this mystical village were brought to life by everyone on that stage, a true whole society effort.

The narration of the story must be congratulated. David Middleton as the First Voice created the interest and never faltered. Stepping into some very famous shoes but totally making the part his own. With the excellent support of Martyn Brown as Second Voice, the narration was clear, crisp and humorous. Very well done.

My congratulations to some of the individual performances, whose characterisation and delivery were a highlight. Ceri Middleton as Polly Garter, Suzanne Duthie as Mrs Ogmore- Pritchard, Bronwyn Gibbs as Blind Captain Cat, Diane Ebo as Mrs Pugh, Ben Middleton as No-good Boyo.

Many of the cast had taken on multiple parts and their tenacity must be acknowledged and applauded.

My congratulations to Kate Middleton as Director. The whole presentation showed superb imagination, using every inch of the hall space you created a surreal atmosphere. A lovely rendition of this much-loved tale. A special mention for Ellen Routley for the musical accompaniment. Not always considered, it added a special depth to the complete performance. Well done.

The whole evening was a great success, bringing an understanding of one of the great works of Dylan Thomas to a very appreciative audience.

My congratulations to you all.

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