A rich, characterful performance by a seasoned storyteller full of charm.
I wasn’t quite sure what I was walking into with Under Milk Wood, but Guy Masterson’s one-man performance turned out to be an unexpectedly absorbing way to spend an evening. He’s been performing this piece for over 30 years, and that experience really comes through – not just in his command of the material but in the easy confidence with which he holds the stage.
For nearly two hours, with no set and no props, Masterson paints an entire Welsh village into existence. His shifts between characters are so quick and seamless you sometimes forget there’s only one person up there. From the soft-spoken to the slightly grotesque, each figure in Thomas’s dreamlike world is given distinct voice and personality. It’s impressive how he brings them all to life.
There were moments, though, where the pace sagged slightly or a few lines didn’t land as crisply as they might have. At times the articulation could have been a touch clearer, and there’s no denying that sustaining the energy for such a demanding solo piece takes its toll. To his credit, Masterson handled it with humour and charm, and the audience responded to that warmth. It never became an issue, just something gently noticeable here and there.
It’s a lot to take in – Thomas’s language is rich, poetic and often meandering – and while the performance is never dull, there were a few points where it felt just a little long. That said, it’s still quite something to keep a crowd engaged for that length of time with no help at all, and it speaks to both the strength of the material and Masterson’s connection to it.
What really stays with you is the sense of care and affection in the delivery. This isn’t just a recital of a famous text – it’s storytelling with soul. Masterson clearly knows every rhythm and beat of this play, and watching him share it is a real treat. Even with the odd stumble, it’s an impressive achievement, and you can’t help but admire the sheer stamina and memory it takes to pull off something like this.
Whether you’re a Dylan Thomas fan or just someone who enjoys a good tale told well, this is a performance full of colour, humour and heart. It’s a classic brought vividly to life by someone who knows it inside out.