Doubting Thomas

Longwinded start, perhaps, but I wanted you to understand my take on the latest, undoubtedly brilliant piece of work on stage at Northampton's Royal Theatre.

Under Milk Wood officially opened on the night the wonderful little theatre toasted its 125th birthday, glasses raised by a packed audience in celebration. So much to celebrate, too, and this bold, new take on an accepted masterpiece has glorious moments to revel in.

But the whole basis of the piece is the mesmerising sound of the words, almost like an incantation. It was conceived as a poem, then adapted by the writer for radio, and only after his death did it transmute into film and stage versions. The physical theatre moments seem, to me, to add little to the core meaning of the piece.

But Welsh director Adele Thomas displays deft touches that are going to make her a name to watch in future, taking the whole thing several steps into the goth zone. Summer Wine in Wales it ain't.

Her presentation of the characters as out-and-out grotesques combining elements of the Theatre of the Absurd with white-faced clown overtones works well visually and it's a neat stroke to have the actors pick their minimal costumes from racks at either side of the stage.

Think of the vocal antics of The Goons, if you remember them, wed to Tim Burton visuals, MC'd by a fine classical Welsh voice and with broad comedy and deep tragedy walking hand in hand. It's a heady mix and another example of the groundbreaking work being forged at the Royal as the venue pursues its 'Made in Northampton' campaign. Go herefor details.

And if you think I'm being rather faint with my praise, let me just commend to you the five-strong Welsh cast, Aled Pugh in the Richard Burton First Voice role, and Matthew Bulgo, Arwel Gruffydd, Sara Harris-Davies and Katy Owen as the rest of the population of Llareggub. For me, Katy could ease up on the Bluebottle impression (which went down well), but she's a great mover - and her heels couldn't get higher (great stunt).

They are all marvellous performers and breathtaking in the range of characters they are able to conjure up.

Under Milk Wood runs until May 16.