Perhaps
this is strange to say but where as I admire and enjoy watching
Richard Burton perform in film, I almost idolise Guy Masterson. I
admit to being a little surprised to discover the close blood
relationship between these two very talented men.
I
went to see Josh Richards performing as Burton directed by Guy
Masterson, with slightly different expectations. I know that
everything Guy is involved in is top quality but to have had
intimate personal knowledge of the subject took this show to a
higher level still.
I
sat back and enjoyed this show, not just as a performance, but a glimpse
into the personal life of one of the worlds most famous actors.
There were times when Josh sounded exactly as I imagined Burton
would and when he is describing Elizabeth Taylor for the first time
you are in no doubt who she is although her name is not mentioned at
the time.
Part
of the magic in any solo show is in the writing without a good
script even the best actor in the world struggles to produce a
creditable performance. Mark Jenkins himself also welsh certainly
seems to have magic in his writing. He has brought out many
different facets of the man, the actor and the legend.
I
can not imagine how different the show would be without Guys input.
I did not look at the programme before seeing the show and was
therefore not aware of all the facts and relationships.
This
is a well written, skillfully directed and beautifully performed glimpse
into the life of one of the most idolised welsh actors ever. Despite
being at the back of the room I felt I was the only one
present and couldn't believe it was over when the lights went on.
*****
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