Imagine stepping into a theater and witnessing a performance so electrifying that it reignites your passion for the stage—Matthew Rhys delivers exactly that as Richard Burton in 'Playing Burton,' and it's a revelation you won't want to miss. But here's where it gets controversial: Is glorifying a flawed genius like Burton the ultimate tribute, or does it risk romanticizing behaviors that harmed those around him?
It's been two decades since Matthew Rhys graced a British stage, and his triumphant return to embody the iconic actor who first captivated him is nothing short of breathtaking. Rhys, a fellow Welsh expatriate whose admiration for Richard Burton—born exactly a century ago—is palpably genuine, channels the legendary figure with an astonishing blend of fervor and flair. In 'Playing Burton,' he masterfully embodies the enigmatic essence of a man who both reveled in and scrutinized his extraordinary talents, making the play a must-see for anyone intrigued by the complexities of fame.
Skeptics might assume that one-person biographical performances, especially those like Mark Jenkins's monologue that's toured globally since its Edinburgh Fringe debut in 1993, have limited depth. Rhys himself is no stranger to acclaim, shining in television roles such as the espionage thriller 'The Americans,' the legal drama 'Perry Mason,' and particularly his chilling portrayal of a deceitfully charming real estate mogul in Netflix's 'The Beast in You.' Yet, his last theatrical outing was back in 2012 with 'Look Back in Anger' in his adopted city of New York. Compounding this, 'Playing Burton' serves as a charitable fundraiser for Michael Sheen's burgeoning Welsh National Theatre, with tickets soaring into triple digits. And this is the part most people miss: Despite these challenges, the production demands no leniency—it's a polished gem from director Bartlett Sher.
From the moment Rhys's Burton bursts onto the stage in a casual suit sans tie, interrupting a 1984 news broadcast announcing his untimely death at 58, he's effortlessly in control, captivating both his character and the audience. With a defiant bark of 'I will not go gentle into that good night,' he mischievously twists Dylan Thomas's famous line, seizing command of his own legacy—later, Rhys skillfully mimics not just Thomas, but also luminaries like John Gielgud, Winston Churchill, and Elizabeth Taylor.
For a deeper dive into Rhys's reflections, check out this insightful piece: Matthew Rhys: I think Richard Burton was embarrassed to be an actor (https://www.thetimes.com/culture/theatre-dance/article/matthew-rhys-richard-burton-and-me-xr8cz2b3k). As his Burton takes a swig of vodka and shares a conspiratorial wink with laughing spectators, Rhys navigates a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and ideas. He ponders how Richard Jenkins, the 12th of 13 children in a miner's impoverished, alcohol-plagued Welsh household, transformed into the globe-trotting, charismatic thespian and dedicated imbiber we remember as Richard Burton.
Rhys's portrayal is spot-on, though his unamplified voice lacks the iconic rumbling depth of the original. Still, he perfectly grasps Burton's paradoxical nature. He recounts growing up with Welsh as his native tongue—a parallel to Rhys's own upbringing—and credits Philip Burton, the educator who reshaped his destiny, leading him to Oxford, the theater world, and beyond.
While much of Burton's biography echoes the recent BBC documentary 'Wild Genius' (https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/richard-burton-wild-genius-review-8zjjv0b7c), where Rhys voiced diary excerpts, the play dives deeper into his stage triumphs, Hollywood stardom, the scandalous on-set romance with Taylor during 'Cleopatra,' and the extravagant chaos of their two doomed unions. What sets this apart is the suave yet sincere manner in which Rhys's Burton confronts his indulgences, questioning how destiny intertwines with desire. On his infamous pursuit of women, he quips, 'Why do I do it? Because I'm a lucky bugger.'
This version of Burton never questions his abilities—he even scolds doubters in obituaries he dramatically recites before collapsing. Rhys shares amusing yet poignant anecdotes about the entertainment industry and family life, swaying through the role of a high-functioning alcoholic, a health risk, a masterful storyteller, and an abysmal spouse. 'I like playing Burton. Because it's the greatest role that Richie Jenkins ever got to play,' he declares.
Far from a tale of unrelenting misfortune, despite its undercurrents of sorrow, Rhys infuses the character with rapid wit and layered nuance, elevating a homage into something akin to a solo 'Hamlet.' To channel Richard Burton or to step away? The experience is utterly mesmerizing, blending admiration with introspection.
★★★★★
90min
Touring until Nov 24, welshnationaltheatre.com (https://www.welshnationaltheatre.com/playing-burton)
What stands out most in Rhys's interpretation—the raw charisma or the unflinching examination of personal demons? Do you think celebrating figures like Burton encourages a culture of excess, or is it a necessary lens for understanding human complexity? Share your thoughts and favorite recent theater experiences in the comments below—we'd love to hear your perspective!
