AN invigorating and amusing interpretation of Dylan Thomas's masterpiece is provided by the talented members of the Welsh Theatre Company.

With no props and very little set, the small cast manage to capture the spirit and characters of an entire community, bringing it alive using only their bodies and Dylan's beautiful, lyrical prose.

Directed by Michael Bogdanov, the actors switch from old lady to child, and from boats to bar pumps with ease - providing a great many amusing moments.

Milk Wood is, at first glance, a typical Welsh village, and the inhabitants appear to be simply going about their normal everyday lives from the first prayers in the morning to last orders at the Sailor's Arms at night.

But we are given an insight into these seemingly ordinary people which engages and surprises as well as moves the audience.

There's the postman who steams open everyone's letters, the no-good boyo who wants to be good and the houseproud widow who polishes the potatoes.

All are fabulous comic characters. But then we go further into their lives and discover lost loves, matrimonial discord and new passions burning.

Two of the most memorable scenes are the busy bar scene at closing time and the ticking of the many different clocks in one resident's home. It's the clever way the noises merge together to create such authentic, mesmerising sounds which is particularly impressive.

This is a superb play to watch for its visual humour, but it's the sounds and script delivery that set it apart.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office: 0870 905 5060.

Published: 10/06/2004