Life of Richard Burton coming to Hemel

Actor Rhodri Miles portrays the mesmerising actor with the mellifluous voice, Richard Burton, in the stage play Burton on the saint’s day at Hemel’s Old Town Hall at 8pm on Wednesday March 1.

Written by Gwynne Edwards and directed by Gareth Armstrong, Burton vividly presents the life of Richard Burton in his own words from humble beginnings to Hollywood mega-stardom.

Beautiful women (not least Elizabeth Taylor), alcohol, wealth, stage and screen are the threads woven into this sad, happy, exuberant often hilarious one man show.

Drink was the only real anodyne to his deteriorating health and mental state, his doomed tempestuous relationship with Taylor and his constant guilt over the abandonment of his family.

Miles, who was born in Swansea and brought up in Pontarddulais, received critical acclaim at two Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and also at the Hollywood fringe festival in 2010 with his role in the play.

He initially chose a career in the Metropolitan Police before leaving to tread the boards rather than the beat.

As a boy he regularly competed at the Welsh National Eisteddfod, winning first prize at recitation on 10 occasions.

He studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and his television work has included Holby City, Torchwood, Atlantis and game of Thrones.

His theatre credits include Lodovico in Othello opposite ‘Wire’ actors Dominic West and Clarke Peters and directed by fellow Welshman Daniel Evans. He currently resides just outside Swansea, six miles from the birthplace of Richard Burton.

Tickets for Burton cost £14, concessions £12, Dacorum Card £10 and Upstaged £5. Call 01442 228091.