Playing Burton
In the age of Heat and Popbitch, an endearing portrayal of Richard Burton reminds us it was always so
| 09 Aug 2007
We live in the age of celebrity culture and the Heat generation, but Playing Burton reviews the rise, scandals and demise of one of Hollywood’s finest for a more mature audience. Still, the show is not only aimed solely at those who remember when the price of a Mars bar was a mere sixpence.
Richard Burton’s life has all the makings of a compelling story. From miner to movie star, the play covers his poor beginnings, his journey to becoming Hollywood’s highest paid actor, to his descent into alcoholism and marriage to Elizabeth Taylor.
The one man show is sustained by writer Mark Jenkins' rich script, filled with humour and retrospective irony. The frequent intertwining of quotes from Shakespeare and Orwell into the narrative reflects Burton’s love for the English literature and acclaimed stage career. Jenkins also remains true to Burton’s roots emphasising his patriotism through outbursts of the Welsh language.
Actor Josh Richards portrayal of Burton is fantastic, captivating his audience and elevating the play above what could become a dreary monologue. He initially creates an endearing and likable Richard Burton but then transforms him into an ill, bitter alcoholic adding an increasingly sombre tone to the conclusion of this first class piece of theatre.
Richard Burton’s life has all the makings of a compelling story. From miner to movie star, the play covers his poor beginnings, his journey to becoming Hollywood’s highest paid actor, to his descent into alcoholism and marriage to Elizabeth Taylor.
The one man show is sustained by writer Mark Jenkins' rich script, filled with humour and retrospective irony. The frequent intertwining of quotes from Shakespeare and Orwell into the narrative reflects Burton’s love for the English literature and acclaimed stage career. Jenkins also remains true to Burton’s roots emphasising his patriotism through outbursts of the Welsh language.
Actor Josh Richards portrayal of Burton is fantastic, captivating his audience and elevating the play above what could become a dreary monologue. He initially creates an endearing and likable Richard Burton but then transforms him into an ill, bitter alcoholic adding an increasingly sombre tone to the conclusion of this first class piece of theatre.