'Starless and bible-black' Michael Sheen performs iconic Under Milk Wood speech | Now streaming

'Begin at the beginning.' Michael Sheen (Good Omens), Karl Johnson (Harry Potter) and Siân Phillips (Keeping Faith) feature in the acting company breathing new life into Dylan Thomas’ poetic masterpiece Under Milk Wood. Now streaming worldwide: www.ntathome.com/
A community is sleeping. If you listen closely, you can hear their dreams. As they awake to boiled eggs and the postman, the residents of a small Welsh village juggle old secrets and new realities.
Lyndsey Turner directs this National Theatre production.
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[@NationalTheatre]

What are your favourite scenes from Under Milk Wood? We'll look at publishing the one you all love most. Let us know here in the comments.

[@RaE8270]

Ah! You cut it off before the 'time passes, listen, time passes, come closer now, only you can hear...' Please post the rest of the opening monologue, where can I see this?

[@CR-jq2dk]

Mr and Mrs Pugh

[@NationalTheatre]

@@RaE8270 You can rent the whole play on ntathome.com.

[@AnitaLife27]

Omg, thanks so much for making this streaming!!!

[@markmcknight6587]

And the shrill girls giggle!

[@AdaSoto]

It's so strange to see this done beautifully by a talented actor. I've only ever seen it performed by half panicked high school students struggling to remember their lines.

[@NationalTheatre]

Glad to share it from the stage with you :)

[@sigmapopsical272]

🤣 I laughed out loud at this comment, thank you! I'd like to see this play

[@chrisreed3022]

And Welsh ! To hear it in a welsh accent, the most sonorous of British accents. Glorious.

[@rhianwenj7597]

​@@chrisreed3022it has to be in a Welsh accent. Listen to Richard Burton, the hairs on the back of your neck will be raised and raised again. Dylan Thomas from Swansea, MS and RB both raised in Port Talbot so local-wish. But RB will always be my favourite. But then I guess RB could make anything sound great. (Not biased but I'm about half an hour away.) There is a version on YT by RBs nephew that is also good but I forget his name.

[@louzander]

Odd as it may sound, I'm a little jealous that you get to hear Thomas read, aloud, that often, even if read shakily. I'm from the US and, aside from Do Not Go Gentle, one never hears much Thomas read aloud here. And Thomas is one of those poets who MUST be read aloud; he, like G. M. Hopkins, knew the savor of words, and put them together so deliciously that the sound of his lines means as much to me as the sense. I carry a copy of All That I Owe the Fellows of the Grave with me in my wallet for when I need a little comfort.

[@TheIgnatz84]

It's so compelling how he appears to be barely holding it together at the start and then, as he gains momentum, the words appear to carry him along, like the poem is physically keeping him upright. Poetry as an act of will that also acts upon the poet.

[@victoriavelvet3689]

I would watch anything this man acts in, he is amazing!

[@NationalTheatre]

A brilliant actor!

[@stephenreaway]

same!

[@tashaclaire7258]

Ditto!

[@ruthish11]

Definitely not overacted. Sheen grabs your attention and you're hooked. I want more!!

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Every time I see sheen perform im reminded of a great painter creating something very beautiful and unique with every brush stroke. One of the great actors of our time. He captures the essence of Dylan Thomas brilliantly.

[@NationalTheatre]

Thank you for your lovely comment! You can watch the whole play on ntathome.com if you like :)

[@sharondunsford-endacotte6376]

Michael Sheen and Dylan Thomas is such a perfect combination. The words are incredible, but when they're coming with that delivery, it elevates them to a whole new level. I could honestly listen to this all day.

[@ianmartinandrews]

Exactly

[@ghooiketlam8879]

Michael Sheen is wonderful to watch and listen to - as he always brings a brimful of tears to my eyes. The words come alive because of his moment-upon-moment discovery of the thing breathing-and-speaking, and shares with us the spontaneous delight and joy of that discovery.

[@jenniferlawrence6091]

This is incredible! So vivid, alive and immediate - just stunning. What a genius.....I was going to say "performance" but it's an incarnation of the poet's voice. Quite wonderful.

[@hidingfromsomeone]

This just hits different in that magnificent Welsh accent.

[@ronyagpd]

This is Thomas brought to life. Stunning. Sheen's animated and brilliantly paced delivery makes me want to see the whole thing. I read it at home in Wales and once saw a production at the Salisbury Playhouse back in the early 80s. This is real.Thank you.

[@NationalTheatre]

Thanks for watching! You can rent the whole play on ntathome.com if you'd like to.

[@chenshuen524]

thank you so much on behalf of everyone who doesn't live in London and couldn't be there!

[@NationalTheatre]

You're so welcome!

[@judyloukides]

I saw the tweets and photos from my lucky friends in the UK who got to see this live. I was so happy for them, but what with COVID travel restrictions and my own health problems, I couldn't go to the UK to see it. And now I can!! Thank you, National Theatre!

[@NationalTheatre]

@@judyloukides You're very welcome! Let us know what you think of it.

[@johngathercole2328]

The "OK", at the beginning... This hasn't the seeming of a speech, but a conversation. The perfect setting of a scene, improvised as he thinks to add more details... It's an incredible performance. I'd love to see it live, done in this way.

[@yetidodger6650]

This clip made me rent the whole play, I wasn't disappointed. Absolutely wonderful, enchanting, bittersweet and melancholy.

[@NationalTheatre]

Really glad to hear you enjoyed watching it :)

[@12b_engineer]

@@NationalTheatre it did the same. It was spectacular. I don't normally like plays but this ine was amazing

[@samosullivan1744]

Sheen is a truly magical actor!

[@MC-342]

To me , this is the measure of a great actor. On stage, in real time. Fantastic 👍

[@marianpaulamangado9639]

How magnificent this clip is. You can feel how this monologue touches every heart who can hear it. I someday wish to see this on the real stage, and see the live emotions that every actor has at that moment. This is what I call impactful. I love it, and Michael Sheen brings the emotion perfectly ❤️💗💓💖💝

[@jameshargan2786]

I have never heard this, or anything like this, before- but I keep coming back to it night after night, and playing it over and over. The way DT has differently used the words, the language, is delicious. He makes the words say so much more; he gives them colour and song. I wish I could too. Michael Sheen seems to be in perfect harmony with the song.

[@billholt2803]

His acting is mesmerising but the true miracle is the way as it says on the tin Thomas’s play for voices (commissioned by the BBC) provides scope for such a brilliant interpretation. Sheens vocalisation identifies the South West Wales location as accurately as but with far more character than GPS

[@LyndaGene]

Just start writing, JH. You might write some shite at first - all do - but I sense you will also find your way to colour and song.

[@rhianwenj7597]

Watch the one with Richard Burton as narrator. I must have heard it 100 times and still it raises the hair on the back of my neck.

[@enidmiddleton4212]

Such passion, its as if Dylan Thomas wrote this just for Michael. Fabulous.

[@DoubleOld7]

Tht man could read the New York City phone directory and I would be riveted!!!

[@WoodlandAsh]

So uniquely Welsh & enchanting. It feels so personal. I remember delivering the same monologue when I was 17 (many years ago) and gave it a more somber spin, not animated like this. But it works so well. Magical.

[@skinner219]

Such a great actor. I really want him to be the next Doctor.

[@5mattcolour]

He’s too talented for that.

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@5mattcolour You need to see the video NT has of the production that TWO of the recent Doctors, Christopher Eccleston and Jodie Whittaker did together (nah.... you're right Michael is in a league by himself) and of course, Tennant was a pretty damn good Hamlet.

[@thatmanrunning]

@@maestroclassico5801 Whcih production is that? I know they've got one with Eccleston and Whittaker.

[@ej3016]

@@5mattcolour why - David Tennant was The Doctor - why couldn’t Michael - after Good Omens and their online performances together during lockdown - they’ve set the stage for great cross references for Whovians to delight in - I come back to Doctor Who for Michael Sheen

[@thatmanrunning]

I could definately see him doing either a more burnt out version of ten or a slightly updated version of four.

[@ActuallyNotMyName]

Just watched this tonight. I cried my way through it. My dad died of cancer last year. I also lost my gran to alzheimer's disease 10 years ago and saw my mother go through this kind of pain. Michael Sheen and Karl Johnson did a brilliant job. Also I work in a hospital as a domestic and I saw my sister go through the stress of being a healthcare worker in a care home, so the way this play was set hit particularly hard in that way too. Absolutely brilliant.

[@ActuallyNotMyName]

I'd like to add that the whole cast were excellent! I also noticed how the whole team worked out ways to make distancing work and feel natural. Honestly, this play is genius on every level, not just because of the words of Dylan Thomas, although I am going to make sure the sun wipes their shoes before they enter my home.

[@NationalTheatre]

So sorry to hear of your loss and touched to know how this play has affected you. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[@ActuallyNotMyName]

@@NationalTheatre I meant to just say how great the play is, but half my life story came out instead ha. Sorry for the rant. Thank you so much for your kind words! Really appreciate you taking the time. ❤

[@PHowsePoet]

I might just watch this on a loop forever. Perfect.

[@tomharris195]

Was a bit concerned when I first rented it that I wouldn't get my money's worth spending $10 for just 3 days, but never fear - I have watched it all the way through 2 times already and still have time to go for a third tomorrow.

[@NationalTheatre]

Wow! Amazing that you've watched multiple times. Enjoy your third watch.

[@chrismoore7606]

Sometimes I think the old actors are held in such reverance it’s taken as sacrilege if you dare say anything other than glowing praise for their performances. I have to say though, that I think Michael Sheen absolutely blows Burton out of the water. The rhythm of the delivery, the wonderful accent, which Burton didn’t do, are perfect. He is in a class of his own.

[@charliefarlie2884]

It's all subjective in the long run. Sheen watches himself act, Burton doesn't

[@duncanmacdonald9320]

This is truly fantastic. Brings it to life like no one else can. Genius.

[@marzettik]

Michael Sheen is so wonderful! Makes me swoon. Always a pleasure to watch no matter what he does. ❤

[@kelfae]

Ooof, like a punch to the gut, it took my breath away.

[@AnthonyLee-Poet]

Michael Sheen is so underrated as an Actor, he is like a Chameleon and totally inhabits whatever character role he is performing. I would love to see him take on the role of Dylan Thomas in the drama "A Poet IN New York" which Tom Hollander did so beautifully and convincingly. I think Sheen could / would bring that special 'Welshness' that only a Welsh person can understand to such a role. Much in the same way that Richard Burton was so able to perfectly become those poems of Dylan Thomas that he used to orate.

[@jonhodder363]

I'm so very certain that Dylan would have loved to hear his work so beautifully rendered. Wonderful work.

[@camp14dogg]

Writing poetry and performing poetry are two very different things. Sometimes, they come together.

[@vargo0515]

Very underrated Actor😉❤ Great performance!

[@stephenreaway]

saw this live it’s fantastic!! So happy I can watch it again online now 🤩

[@NationalTheatre]

Enjoy rewatching! Hope you notice new things.

[@johnofarrell812]

How beautiful. The great Welsh poet, at his very best, performed by such a good actor. Years ago, whilst on a visit in New York, I found myself in a bar, where the artist had his last night, before death. Oh my, how I wish soneone he knew that night, could have helped him. A loss to all the worlds literature and poetry that is right up there with all who went before him.

[@NationalTheatre]

Under Milk Wood is streaming worldwide on National Theatre at Home. You can rent the play or subscribe for unmissable theatre: www.ntathome.com/

[@AnitaLife27]

Thank you so much! So grateful to be able to see a Michael Sheen performance. I was so jealous of my UK Sheen fans who got to see this in person. But I’m in Pennsylvania so couldn’t pop by. Much appreciation! Will rent next week when I’m back from a festival. Cheers! ❤️❤️❤️

[@eddiecomerford8307]

I saw this in July and I can’t recommend it highly enough, there’s an option to rent it, you don’t need a subscription. But please just do it, it’s so good.

[@janeknight3597]

Oh thank goodness I can rent it. Please can it go to cinema. What a night out!!!

[@NationalTheatre]

Thanks so much for your recommendation, Eddie. Means a lot!

[@lagoondiver]

@@NationalTheatre Can people who live outside of the UK rent these plays as well?

[@NationalTheatre]

@@lagoondiver Yes! National Theatre at Home is available all around the world.

[@johnfox1823]

How do you rent it? I could only see the subscription option.

[@user-nx6ji9tk8i]

Brave man to step into Richard Burton,s legacy and carry it off!

[@mariedillon1403]

Wish I could see it all. Reminds me of the opening of Our Town...

[@NationalTheatre]

You can! It's streaming worldwide on ntathome.com - you rent the play or subscribe.

[@mepratt8465]

Wow - that's a great comparison. In the late 1960's, my high school (in Oakland, California) performed "Our Town" - I think I went and saw it twice!

[@thisisme2476]

What I would give to be able to see his process. How he memorizes and constructs this scene.

[@NationalTheatre]

Astonishing work, isn't it

[@cielodinverno5]

Great actor

[@NationalTheatre]

We love him :)

[@salbenrosli707]

Seriously I love this man. His acting is just chef’s kiss. I find a solace and healing watching his performances

[@antonellamR2D2]

He bring me to that town, in the sunset, amazing

[@donnafreeman720]

Just beautiful. I can’t stop watching. I’m learning this bit for the grandkids.

[@peterdawson2645]

I've heard this speech so often. But Sheen makes it something else. He doesn't just speak it, he acts it.

[@Moonpome]

Such a wonderful morsel, more please 🙏🏼

[@markclevedon81]

Wow. Now it makes sense. What talent.

[@Boudleaux]

Amazing! Thank you so sharing.

[@NationalTheatre]

You're welcome!

[@MrLarry]

Outstanding

[@angharadswansea9343]

This is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes.

[@RosalindDight-qm1tz]

Under Milk Wood is my favourite. Impossible to choose.

[@pluckerster]

Genius writing and genius interpretation - what other scenes? All of it please but I'd love to hear both of Eli Jenkins' poems.

[@GregWarks27]

Amazing show, binge watched it this morning

[@NationalTheatre]

Kudos! That was speedy

[@swatinain6946]

Stunning, I'll hear it like this now in my mind when I read it. He's brilliant!

[@sylviafenech4547]

Wonderful.

[@Forkygolach1]

Mesmerising!

[@thomasbestolofsson9328]

Brilliant! It never can get any better.

[@killforkylie]

More please! That's excellent.

[@silviapassos2368]

Emocionada!

[@SLorenziify]

You can feel all the words he pronounces so vividly. Superb.

[@tarot_esoterica_with_erin]

Wonderful

[@wilsonlorialitandtheater]

Amazing.

[@GenWivern2]

Bravo!

[@Parallax09]

Oh! It's so wonderful ❤ Michael is awesome!

[@alexjake.j906]

How handsome is michael sheen

[@alexjake.j906]

Even lookim like a homeless

[@deanwaddington2799]

Just a word.....wow.

[@regmunday8354]

Well well. Sheen's interpretation kicks Burton's into close second place, after decades at the pinnacle.

[@sickpit138]

Absolutely spellbinding ❤

[@tamayagarner1542]

oh how i wish we could stream the National Theatre performances in Canada :(

[@NationalTheatre]

You can! They're available all over the world, including Canada. ntathome.com

[@anupamaranawana-collie1439]

@@NationalTheatre oh really ? That's so excellent. I'd love to give my parents a gift of national theatre but they live in Canada. Good to know they could stream from there

[@carolclewlow4009]

Crikey... talk about breathing new life... can't wait to download this

[@dianedickson6366]

Stunning.

[@marialette1]

I had Under Milkwood on tape by Richard Burton; compared to this, it was just one drone. Sheen can blow life into a torn hessian sack. He's a force of nature.

[@charliefarlie2884]

Or he could be said to be over acting

[@mrmcku]

Loved it!

[@NationalTheatre]

Thanks for watching Martin!

[@Naev0w0]

I just realized what hes saying when he says "sloe black, slow black" sloe is another name for blackthorn, a plant. What a genius play on words.

[@barryedwards4803]

I was bought up on Burton but this is closer to Thomas's reading.

[@williamquirke8634]

Impossible to pick one favourite scene there are so many. Just reading it from the page and I can hear Burton's voice and all the other voices - magic it is no exaggeration to say that it was when I first heard this that I began to take an interest in poetry as more than the simple rhymes of childhood

[@samblackcrow]

A magnificant play showcased by a magnificantly talented actor. Ohhh, Martin, Dylan Thomas is appauding you from on high.

[@taraxacum]

Michael Sheen :-)

[@mesnilman2327]

I'd love to see the Eli Jenkins' prayer scene. Please!

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Excellent

[@carriecole4072]

I watched this clip and I just wanted more. He is magnetic

[@loymichelleneely7525]

Flawlessly preformed bravo 👏

[@Columbusmor]

Majestic!

[@daviddavies7924]

Brilliant actor and fellow WELSH MAN

[@1Vix1]

Ok, Michael's acting is always a pleasure to watch. But also, GOD DAMN🫣😳

[@williamquirke8634]

Excellent, excellent, - but I am still in love with the Burton delivery

[@jackdryden748]

Fantastic

[@adespade119]

Terrific.

[@ianryan5727]

Wow!

[@williamquirke8634]

It was the BBC version, broadcast in 1954, when at the age of 7, I fell in love with Thomas' work

[@maisondelahaye5334]

Fabulous

[@pauljordan8373]

Probably better than Burton. un by God that's saying something! Burton was bloody briliant, but always a wee bit conscious of being Burton. This is selfless brilliance.

[@stayinalive9434]

Good call on Burton. I have thought the same but couldnt put it into words.

[@Saturday4378]

If someone made a theatre production of Mr. Strange And Mr. Norrell, i'd like to see Micheal Sheen as Mr. Norrell

[@rgs8970]

I think the algorithm figured out I'm *trying* to make myself cry tonight. Thank you, National Theatre. Thank you, Michael Sheen. And thank you, David (who is now wherever we go after all this) for introducing me to Under Milk Wood in the first place

[@NationalTheatre]

Sometimes you just need a good sob. The whole play is available should you want to watch it on ntathome.com

[@99shoebox]

Apart from a Richard Burton, this is the most beautiful rendition of this scene in Under Milk Wood. A wonderful and creative portrayal. I never get tired of it.

[@dubbingsync]

Didn’t expect such a different way of delivering the lines. Too used to the Richard Burton version. But it works… somehow it works.

[@Vesnicie]

The whole of Llaregub is declared mad, and yet I come here to regain some semblance of sanity.

[@RonRicho]

Dylan Thomas. GENIUS!!

[@jimmyhendry5563]

Wow 😮

[@Faust21century]

Восторг

[@nataliebaines6445]

Richard Burton's version is my favourite ❤