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

Dylan Thomas' masterful Under Milk Wood 'play for voices' was first read in New York on 14 May 1953. The play reopens the Olivier theatre for live performances 16 June–24 July 2021.

Michael Sheen, Karl Johnson and Siân Phillips feature in the acting company breathing new life into Dylan Thomas’ poetic masterpiece. Lyndsey Turner directs with additional material by Siân Owen.

#NationalTheatre #UnderMilkWood #Poetry #MichaelSheen #DylanThomas
--
A community is sleeping. If you listen closely, you can hear their dreams.

The retired sea captain yearning for his lost love.
The landlady living in terror of her guests.
A father who can no longer access his memories.
A son in search of redemption.

As they awake to boiled eggs and the postman, the residents of a small Welsh village juggle old secrets and new realities.
--
At the National Theatre in London, we make world-class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring. And we make it for everyone.

[Renovator]

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.

[astoriagringass]

We need more of Michael reading poetry

[Renovator]

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

[simonlambourne]

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

[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.

[drees]

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.

[donaldgallacher]

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

[janhughes]

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

[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.

[pedromello]

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.

[airdriver]

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!

[TheElmospoon]

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

[hudalhm]

That’s how you recite poetry. You embody it

[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 🙏

[bryansmith]

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

[Pinkyearlgrey]

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

[sharonelliott]

Perfection. Takes a Welshman to know a Welshman.

[matthewdavies]

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

[mrtoad]

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.

[andregordon]

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