Michael Sheen performs 'Do not go gentle into that good night' by Dylan Thomas

[@Renovator26]

I'm pushing 95, and this is the finest version I've ever heard. It left me more determined than ever to rage against the dying of MY light. Inspiring words and superb delivery.

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

i liked this better than the Dylan Thomas ones

[@julesjma]

You are indeed inspiring, Sir.

[@kylewashington1841]

They say the "first man to live to be 150 years old has already been born" Don't let me down Mr. Fisher.

[@Renovator26]

@@kylewashington1841 Ha Ha - I think to would be nice to reach 100, but only if I'm free from advanced senility. Living beyond that means most of my family will be dead and certainly all my friends. Nice thought though.

[@kylewashington1841]

@@Renovator26 You are right sir. Good health to ya.

[@simonlambourne5165]

This man is astonishing. I'm only just discovering how extraordinary, kind and passionate he is. Awesome

[@Renovator26]

Thank you, Michael. At 95 I need a fix every so often. I accept it's almost time for me to exit stage left, but oh - what a trip! I will not gentle into that good night - but go I must. John, Ontario, Canada

[@renbanana2684]

See you on the other side✊️

[@PersonallyOptimistic]

Beautifully said

[@ferdinandhumperdinck165]

Another one from Austria, with a father fighting lung "undefined problems" : Noone should go into the night without raging, raging loudly against the loss of creativity, light and life! Please, dad, hold on, rage, rage against the night!

[@Josh-v4c9f]

I never considered poetry before. I'm reciting this at my father's funeral next week.

[@budgetarms]

Rest In Peace John

[@donaldgallacher6998]

Im 56, sitting in hospital recovering post tumour removal. I was already raging; hearing Michael so wonderfully express my feelings has made my day.

[@herbertwest6003]

Get well soon - best regards from austria ! ps: you´ve got good taste

[@pamelaregner8355]

Right beside you, Sir.

[@0ddSavant]

I’m 45, few years past an impulse-buy open heart surgery thanks to a staph infection the local hospital failed to diagnose 3 consecutive times. Went to an unaffiliated urgent care type place and they diagnosed me through clothing from across the room. So, yeah, I now have an overwhelming compulsion to keep 80 pounds of fluid in my legs and walking is, uh, let’s just say I’m basically Rascal scooter adjacent. I had no plans to go gentle into that good night, but something about getting winded from blinking takes that rage rage against the dying of the light right outta you. Wheeze wheeze nap against the dying of the light. Or invest in Clapper[TM] Cheers!

[@ggalaxy9065]

I wish you a 100% recovery & a long, healthy life!👍

[@ApolloHypnosQueerestGods]

Hope you feel well, best wishes from England ❤

[@astoriagringass7023]

We need more of Michael reading poetry

[@aaronreichler2570]

More of Michael reading anything!!

[@mliljegard19771209]

Totally agree

[@robertoseveno]

Yess

[@stelladonaconfredobutler9459]

and Irish reading their poetry and stories that run with the Irish wind

[@robertmacdonaldbespokekilt3063]

he could read his bluidy laundry-lists and I'd stand through the rainy night to hear them!

[@drees71]

I saw Michael recite this when he was fresh out of drama school, it was full of confidence and youthful passion, this one however seems to have all Michael's life experience so far and it's fantastic, so moving. He gets it completely.

[@martydav9475]

One of those life experiences is helping young homeless people in Wales not to have to live in highly dubious hostels full of sex offenders and the like. Good on him for the great work he did there.

[@Catmoore60]

Your comment reminded me of one of my best teachers, Miss O’Meara. She taught literature, and we read and discussed many wonderful novels. She said ‘read a story that touched you again once per decade of your life, as your life experience will alter your perception and enrich your understanding.’

[@leesweets4110]

I dont really get it at all.

[@clickpause8732]

@@leesweets4110 In essence it’s about living your best life in spite of your inevitable death. To live, laugh and love, and fight for a life worth losing. At least, that’s what it means to me. Different interpretations for different people.

[@mathewalex1624]

@@Catmoore60 How fortunate you are ! I earn my living as an English teacher. .I shudder to think of what I am made to do. But I am so delighted to learn that there are places in the world where there are real students and teachers. Thank you, madam, for sharing your experience. It reassures me that not everything is lost.

[@Lawraven]

My 12 y/o son called me an "old man" a while back and in comedic response I did this poem. He stood in rapt attention until I finished then said without missing a beat "Cool. I bet you were there when that was written like 200 years ago." Sigh.

[@Mei_...]

your son is really incredible 😂😂 i can't stop laughin'

[@elizabeths4371]

I think your son might make a good talk show host one day. 😎

[@dougtriplett]

lol, that sounds like a kid that needs to hear the classics. Has he heard Kiping's What If

[@marylee7467]

🤣🤣🤣 I love your son

[@kellydalstok8900]

My daughter used to accuse me of listening to “old people’s music”, and then she grew up.

[@andrewjfulker]

This is the definitive version of this poem. Delivered in the Welsh accent that it was written in, by a man who seems to not just understand the words, but to feel them. Surely there is nobody who could do this better.

[@janetbrown2927]

I was thinking of his beautiful accent. Welsh is the most appealing accent for me of all the Celtic accents.

[@charliefarlie2884]

Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins, both Welsh, do it better. It's all subjective though.

[@nigelludkin-yoxall6845]

you could barely tell that Dylan was Welsh.......voice of an Oxford don........outstanding, irreplaceable, beyond compare...

[@argonthesad]

@@nigelludkin-yoxall6845 This reading is way better than Dylan's. You need the Welsh accent, at least that's how I always imagined it in my head. It's sad Dylan had that fake, bland, Oxford accent.

[@nigelludkin-yoxall6845]

it wasn't fake, he was brought up to speak like that@@argonthesad

[@janhughes7786]

At last! Someone who actually understands the pace of this poem. This is exactly how I felt watching my father die .The anger and the bargaining. Diolch

[@welshpaul9932]

The timing of his pauses was absolutely perfect. There is a beauty in silence.

[@MsCherylHudson]

My 95yr old Father lives with me. He’s doing pretty well considering but he does struggle. Sometimes I watch him and think “Do you really want to keep doing this” That has changed my perspective on why he pushes to keep going and new found respect 🙏

[@pedromello0404]

My father died in 1984 at 59 years of age. I was 25 then. I never knew how to express my frustration and anger about his illness, suffering and death. He fought bravely but in the end his agony was overwhelming and he surrendered. I wish my father were still alive today for me to tell him: Do not go gentle into that last night, one more time... Thanks Michael for making me cry 40 years of sorrow out of my chest.

[@hudalhm5133]

That’s how you recite poetry. You embody it

[@waynekoop872]

I love the little quiver he had in his voice, made it more powerful

[@TheElmospoon]

As someone with a parent under palliative care this is very moving.

[@basesketch]

Big hugs we are going through the same at the moment.

[@hughpowell1]

@@basesketch p

[@nickthomas181]

My elderly father is 82 with many health issues including kidney failure is in hospital tonight with fluid on his lungs and three chest drains .As no one is allowed to see him me and my sister rang him at tea he said he wants to die .This has brought tears to my eyes.

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@nickthomas181 sending my love.

[@sisuguillam5109]

It is indeed. I hope that they are taking good care of them - and that you hsve someone to care for you. Sending all my love.

[@matthewdavies3282]

Written by a Welshman and performed by a Welshman in all its glory and thunder...epic Sir.

[@sharonelliott2366]

Perfection. Takes a Welshman to know a Welshman.

[@stevenaustin8274]

By that logic then only a English person can know William Shakespeare

[@sharonelliott2366]

@@stevenaustin8274 If you want to make that leap, then perhaps. Culture is embodied in language.

[@stevenaustin8274]

@@sharonelliott2366 what leap ? If indeed your comment is correct then it must be correct for all !

[@sharonelliott2366]

@@stevenaustin8274 ??

[@thegreenmage6956]

@@stevenaustin8274 What they mean is that a Welsh usage of the English language can only be properly portrayed by a Welsh approach, and thus by a Welsh person. I’m sure you’d agree it would in truth take a middle-English-Era person to properly convey Shakespeare as intended, but we do not have that available.

[@Pinkyearlgrey]

That slight Welsh twang when he says 'dying'. Amazing!

[@uazuazu]

Definitely adds to it in several other places too

[@anonymousanonymous2143]

Nothing slight about any of that performance in my opinion. I'm saying this as a Welshman almost 30 years in exile, his performance makes me feel very homesick!

[@paulinemably9572]

@@anonymousanonymous2143 I could not agree more. Whenever I hear Michael speak he reminds me of all that is great about Wales.

[@31Alden]

I felt it too …. !

[@bryansmith1920]

My Father died I didn't get a chance to say thank you to him But yes having had a heart attack myself and survived It's only because I raged against the good night And lived long enough to be here to meet and greet 3 Great Grandsons

[@mrtoad1408]

I will read this at my grandfather's funeral in a couple of weeks. He was a proud and fiercely intelligent Welsh man that achieved so much and always pushed the limits of whatever he did.

[@georgeowen6456]

I will be doing the same in 2 days. A wonderful tribute to powerful men.

[@andregordon2599]

The pause, slight eye twitch, and change of energy at 1:04 talking about his fathers is the best acting I’ve seen in 2021. Perfection

[@elizabethtoews7866]

So wonderful to hear the Welsh in his voice, a fine, desperate rendering.

[@afterworldfan1001]

There were times when I thought that Anthony Hopkins was the one and only person, mastered that poem. Then "Interstellar" came into the culture, and I was convinced that it's the perfect mise-en-scene for this poem, cited by Michael Caine - being the same in words, but sounding completely different. And now.... No sets and costumes, no fancy make-up, just one man, standing in the light, but obviously knows all about the darkness.... Bravo, Michael!

[@christinefischer2137]

I can't help thinking this is not about age (of a person). And this performance impacts me most from all I ve seen so far. Maybe the small head shake and his expression at the end contributed to that.

[@afterworldfan1001]

Not a matter of age at all, I agree. It is really a question of "getting it" deeply and truly.

[@oliverschaller4228]

Indeed, it actually is a guide on how to live ones life. Wise men rage because they know with the time left they can still accomplish more good in the world. Wild men (alcoholics, womanizer etc) rage in regret at realizing they wasted their lives. Grave (serious, career businessmen etc) men rage because they realize they shouldn't have taken life so seriously and should have enjoyed life more. Good men rage because despite all their efforts, they didn't change the world. All of them want more time to do things differently. The lesson is: dont take life too seriously, dont waste it on stupid stuff, try to make a difference in the world, ​and never give up trying to do good. @christinefischer2137

[@dnorfed]

The Welsh accent helps make this the best version of the poem. Well done Michael

[@protoguy]

Most just read as though it's just a poem they're reading to impress a class. Read it like you're speaking to your child, your father, your partner, imploring them. So well done.

[@VadiRogan]

I'm 51 and have loved this forever. But you my friend took me right there.❤️

[@airdriver1460]

Mister Sheen: I'm 69 years old, a former English major and have heard this poem read by everyone and their brother, including Dylan Thomas himself. My ears tell me that you are in your own league. Thank you, sir. Hell, yeah, now we're gettin' somewhere!

[@denniscarroll3164]

That's called an artist my friends! Michael Sheen is incredible.

[@damitajo1045]

Yes he is!

[@artstudiodaily5908]

My uncle was 95years old and passed away in his sleep a month ago. We had a life long connection of mischief and magic. This was read at his celebration of life and this video appeared as if by magic into my feed, Thank you

[@julesjma]

I've had a mad crush on this man for YEARS.

[@Khorzho]

His bar is Kate Beckinsale. Just saying.

[@hmahanes]

It's too late now. I knew these words, but didn't know to say them in time. I'm sorry dad, I miss you.

[@michaeldray1746]

I look forward, later in his life, to see him playing King Lear

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

Give him a decade or so. He just got that grey hair.

[@MatthewStephensAU]

I imagine him doing this, but not on stage. This would be an improv, with him playing a part of some wild homeless man, raging at a winter thunderstorm while people look away. This poem shouldn't be read by professors in tweed jackets to bored students. This is a roar for the people who have only the 'good night' left.

[@catherinehazur7336]

Your comment was very thoughtfully and expressively put. You're quite right: His reading of this poem brought me (and most likely others) in touch with the life that is the poet himself, in a flood of intent, coursing like blood out of that heart, feeding our very soul way past the hour of our death As the dying of one light gives way to another

[@jumbo4billion]

spoken like someone who hs never had any homeless friends lol

[@MTMF.london]

Whether you have a family or none, homeless or not - doesn't make a difference. This is about death and fear of dying.

[@dearwilderness2798]

This was written very beautifully!

[@bcd4562]

I think it should be read by every dry and boring professor. Because that dry and boring prof is a superstar for introducing beautiful prose and poetry to students who don't care to know about it. These dry profs now have tools like this to capture imagination in a way that they can't. Not everyone can be Michael.

[@techniciansourwell1412]

This performance has brought immense comfort to me, as I grapple with the anticipation of my dying Dad. I’ll listened to it dozens of times so far.

[@hughbarton5743]

I was feeling weak today.....can't effectively be an actor any more....the lines are usually a daunting challenge. I have a neurological disorder, which will be, it's thought, the end of me. Not having a great day... And then, in a minor miracle, Mr. Sheen steps forward, and reminds to not go quiet.....to rage against the dying of the light. Thank you, Michael. I will fight against the inevitable victor. I will, of course, eventually lose this great battle. But I will never surrender. Thank you all, and best wishes.

[@ExLibris-Alys]

This is THE BEST reading of this poem I’ve heard! He was actually raging instead of just saying the word rage 👏🏻

[@pinkgoddess]

As a deaf person, what a treat to have access to such a powerful and compelling actor. Thank you 😊

[@mairimacdonald6399]

I've read & listened to this many times, but today I really 'heard' it. Thank you Michael

[@jeffreyadams648]

Agreed.

[@GraceRay-b9m]

Michael Sheen is just so good at reciting this. The Welsh accent and the charged emotion are perfect for delivering this Dylan Thomas's poem and with the right pace. Won't forget this one for a long, long time.

[@nigeljones5136]

If I had to choose just one word from Michael's rendition it would be "father" - it pierces the soul.

[@jeffreyadams648]

Yep.

[@TheMarionetteKitty]

He had me in tears by the end. I need more of Michael Sheen performing Dylan Thomas. More Welshmen. More Welsh awesomeness.

[@MadNaduk]

still one of the greatest men and most talented of actors this island has produced.

[@margaretgallacher1793]

SUPERB. Dylan Thomas and Michael Sheen, a perfect marriage 💙💙 xxx

[@samosullivan1744]

I love how every actor that does this poem makes it their own. Michael Caine’s rendition in Interstellar was magical and the emotion Sheen brings to this is wonderful!

[@catherinehazur7336]

I so much agree, Sam. It is a poem everyone, being Human, can relate to. Especially when recited by an actor with such extreme breadth and depth as Michael Sheen has

[@SlideQuest]

It was Anthony Hopkins's voice, not Michael Caine's, reciting the poem in Interstellar.

[@samosullivan1744]

@@SlideQuest No it was definitely Michael Caine. You can identify his cockney accent straight away.

[@SlideQuest]

@@samosullivan1744 You are right, I was wrong. Found a clip someone had made with Hopkins reciting the poem to footage from Insterstellar. Another good reading, but not from the original film.

[@cteal2018]

Would have loved to hear Alan Rickman

[@elizabethsuckow9710]

I never really got this until my sister died a couple of months ago. It has so much power and meaning for me now. This is a beautiful performance. Thank you.

[@nikiTricoteuse]

Absolutely perfect. The lovely Welsh accent was just the cherry on top.

[@Cripes67]

It feels very strong and feels Scottish too. It’s a Celtic thing . I just love this soliloquy . I miss my dad who died so young but delivered so much to us as a family.

[@RamnaViaz]

My parents are old now... my dad is in his eighties, my mom in her seventies, they are not as strong and healthy as they used to be, I perform this poem for them every once in awhile to keep their blood boiling and their eyes shining, they will not go gentle into that good night.

[@1Wendy_Woo]

His hair alone is quite the presence. Love that passion! 👏👏bravo👏👏

[@TobiasAlmeninger]

This moved me so deeply... I’m neither into poems nor soliloquies. But this was very very touching and brilliantly performed. Thank you Michael Sheen!

[@pmlm6245]

Anything he plays, I’d happily watch. He is pure gold. Like another Helen McCrory.

[@Cripes67]

My father died at the age of 58. I was 28 years old. He was a big Viking of a man and a huge protector of his family. He dragged himself up from poverty to wealth with such grit and determination . Sadly he went gently into the night so suddenly. He leaves a great hole in our lives. We miss his largesse , his humour and indomitable presence . This poem portrays exactly how I feel and Michael sheen did a wonderful job of portraying it . We were blessed.

[@Fullbuster13]

The way he keeps the tension of the poem flowing. What a performance... just flawless.... BRAVO

[@mkkpk]

I love this actor. His depth of characters, drama and humor are exceptional. Can't get enough!

[@erykaton170]

This has been one of my favorites since I first read it as a teenager. Here I sit several decades later, both my parents are gone now after long illnesses and I feel a keen sense of loss now that I couldn't possibly have understood when i was that kid.

[@ryuinz]

Sheen got distracted at the end by the damn birds. He sees them! He knows what they're on about! In seriousness, this was a masterful reading, he is brilliant and has hit the level where I can in good confidence watch anything with him in it and expect it to be excellent.

[@Estus__Flask]

Every time I reach an awful place in my mind I end up eventually, somehow bouncing back and finding myself coming here once more. Michael pours passion into this, never fails to get a tear in my eye and fire in my heart. I've yet to hear a better reading of this.

[@MoonstoneRain]

I've always had a bit of Michael Sheen crush. Sigh. Beautiful.

[@ftumschk]

A very musical recitation; I love the gradual crescendo of emotion Sheen builds in from the first verse to the last.

[@AllyJC]

I've nothing else to say here but beautiful. Michael Sheen reciting Dylan Thomas is everything we need to hear.

[@Canigoback]

Brilliant performance. And standing in the small patch of light at 1:34, with shadow surrounding him. The dying of the light is chasing him too. Nice touch from the director.

[@apocratos0174]

This is the best version of the poem. Thanks Michael

[@teresafritschi]

Powerful. Sheesh Michael, standing ovation and tears. Bravo.

[@meadowlarke6426]

I have watched this like 20 times. Amazing performance of one of my all times favorite poems.

[@hales172]

I remember my father every time i watch this, a powerful performance, always brings tears to my eyes. Thank you Michael.

[@marcusschmaling9]

I keep returning to this. So arresting. Startling. Awakens me. Like sparks on my soul. What a brilliant performance.

[@sandranigh3219]

Brought me to tears. Michael Sheen is amazing 👏

[@Dory_Darko]

Michael Sheen is a singularly gifted performer. I will watch absolutely anything he does, and the way he delivered this magnificent poem is beyond compare. Goosebumps.

[@janjindrisek2064]

Through Michael Sheen's voice you understand the whole meaning of this poem even you don't listening words! I love this version. You can hear an hour explenation about the meaning of this poem, or you can hear two minutes of Michael Sheen and you get meaning of every single word. I call this a real acting and I bow deeply to your acting skills ;)

[@davidhardwick3816]

Fantastic - the best performance of this incredible poem I've ever heard.

[@Moonpome]

Michael Sheen do us all a favor sir 🙏🏼 record more audiobooks. Listening to you is pure pleasure. Any project, any book, pick one and I’m onboard. The Philip Pullman was amazing. 🤗

[@AmandaE329]

Michael Sheen is my favorite. Talented, beautiful, brilliant ❤

[@Feejakka]

What a breath-taking performance. He infuses the words with the perfect intonation, pitch and pacing, outdoing every other version of this poem I've heard. Need more poetry from him!

[@michellewareham4040]

He brought tears and I've read that poem/villanelle a thousand times!

[@NationalTheatre]

What a voice, what an actor.

[@ulli4303]

I am chronically ill, disabled and in the mids of small life crisis, because 60 this year and not sure how much of my dreams I still will be able to live... This poem, this brilliant performances was just what I needed... I, too, will fight, against the dying of the light

[@Mike-fr3ov]

It touched my soul so deep It burst into tears Thank you Michael Sheen for this marvellous recitation 🙏

[@marcybrooks3425]

I'm speaking at a women's group tomorrow (mostly over 70) and of course I could tell them they deserve a break and they can go into eternity knowing they did well. But, I can't! That would not be true. We need them now more than ever to pick their torches up and fan the flame. This poem will be my closing. Thank you for sharing. What a phenomenal presentation.

[@jayajora]

Hopefully this means live well first. My late husband passed 2.5 years ago, too soon he surrendered. Cremated his brother last week, maybe he raged until he was diapered & fed.

[@prometheuspredator7971]

Michael, Bravo, Bravo! Oh man, I wish Michael would put out a CD of poems. His voice and amazing rendition of this poem brings so much character to each word he pronounces with powerful linguistic manner.

[@Sapper127]

I'm 74 and lucky to be here, I died on the operating table last February and know exactly how this feels.

[@alisonbateman8173]

❤

[@kildogery]

Keep on raging.

[@Ysoie]

Powerful and slightly terrifying. Thank you so much- I needed this today.

[@NationalTheatre]

You're welcome, thanks for watching and enjoying great poetry

[@anweshabanerjee8320]

I always read this poem to myself in a breath of solace. Rage always seemed the aspirational end to an arduous day. But this is utter transcendence!

[@tofrti2002]

I sit here at the hospital watching my father, who is 99, slowly slip into his final goodnight.. It's a terrifying and impressive show of absolute willpower.. This Video and Performance has brought some solace to my aching soul

[@abnurtharn2927]

I read this in my father's funeral. Still don´t know how my voice held.

[@tristawilliams8393]

I love how he gets emotional at the end, it’s perfection

[@sarahpierozynski7243]

A wonderfully moving performance. I wish my teacher could have imbued it with such passion when I studied it for my O levels in 1969! Perfformiad rhagorol.

[@xafi2768]

I cried at this thinking about how my father wasted away with cancer. Treatment put on hold due to covid and I prayed for any energy that he could muster. There was none .. and I was left only there his son.

[@marciahardewig5113]

Such a fine character actor. I always loved this poem!

[@nickzika6575]

I gave this poem to my terminally ill grandfather who was my father in everything except name. I can relate so much to the words. I wanted him to fight to his last breath. He was at peace with his decision to accept his mortality, I was not. Miss you everyday grandpa

[@Sandiwich]

Fantastic, truly awe-inspiring. Sheen is a keeper isn't he!

[@MrKanpel]

How can you not crying in front of this masterpiece and an interpretation so intense?!

[@landy-gyebnar]

I always loved reading this poem, but it's simply perfect this way. Thank you, Michael Sheen!

[@N81L]

Such a powerful recitation, wonderful.

[@TheKathyeparis]

Best reading I've ever heard of this marvellous poem!

[@allonszenfantsjones]

I listened and could not but rage myself at the cruelty of sudden departure; no goodbyes, no scanning of the horizon. Just gone one morning, leaving all behind to mourn.

[@rodneydavenport4646]

I’ve never heard this performed any better. Outstanding!

[@gingerpierce9178]

I think this is the definitive recitation of this poem. Whenever I see a mention of the poem online, I have to come watch this video. Michael Sheen is amazing and he brings such fire and light to these words.

[@jennifersantosuosso4479]

Brought me to tears.

[@jeanninecalder3652]

Wonderful…. I could listen to Michael Sheen forever, such a voice, such feeling …

[@anntully-crook2430]

Dylan would have said “Thank you my brother, my countryman. You have placed my words in their souls.”

[@steevo211]

Projection; Perfect! Accents, We Love Them. And Voice?? Ahhh, What A Beautiful Accompaniment. Life should not be a journey to the grave.. with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside!! In a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and LOUDLY proclaiming.. "WOW!.. What a Ride!" Hunter S. Thompson ~ The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967

[@sygu]

This performance is for me the most touching, I have heard. Wonderful, goosebumps...

[@MiaogisTeas]

This is as much for Thomas's father as it is for our common, ancestral father. Let us not forget it; that we are brothers, that we are family, that we were once wild men.

[@tinadavies4195]

I could watch and listen to M.S all day long..he really draws you in that moment..shivers down my spine.❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿