Rhys treads in Burton's footsteps

Matthew Rhys starred opposite Kathleen Turner in The Graduate

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys is following in the footsteps of screen legend Richard Burton by starring in Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood.

Rhys, who has just returned from working in the United States, has confirmed he will take on the role of First Voice when Thomas's best known work returns to the stage in the poet's home city of Swansea.

Acclaimed director Michael Bogdanov has secured the services of the Rhys for his adaptation of the play at Swansea Grand Theatre in October.

The production coincides with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Thomas's death in November.

I'm very proud of the fact that this has become a timeless piece and people still want to come and see it 50 years on from his death Matthew Rhys

Cardiff-born Rhys is best known for starring in the West End version of The Graduate opposite Kathleen Turner.

He admits he is a fan of Thomas's work.

"His imagination is wonderful and he's such a wordsmith, and those two things combined make for something like Under Milk Wood," said Rhys.

"I'm very proud of the fact that this has become a timeless piece and people still want to come and see it 50 years on from his death.

"I haven't visited Swansea much before, and it should be fun, though I have to admit a little of the old rivalry.

"But really, I always love coming back to Wales."

Rhys is no stranger to Under Milk Wood, having featured in a commemorative BBC production of the play which used original recordings of Port Talbot-born screen legend Burton.

Film legend Richard Burton starred in the 1973 screen version

He starred in the 1973 screen version alongside Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O'Toole and Sian Phillips.

Rhys said, "It's due to be aired in November. They played Richard Burton's voice, then we joined in.

"It was quite bizarre, but I have to say I was happy to be on the same cast list as him!"

Under Milk Wood will be staged at the Grand Theatre between October 8 and 18 and is among a series of events lined-up for this year's Swansea Festival.