Dylan Thomas’ link with Sussex village

West Chiltington artist Terry Copping had just put the finishing touches to his latest painting, a portrait of poet Dylan Thomas sitting at a pub table, when he discovered that West Chiltington Dramatic Society are staging Thomas’ Under Milk Wood in the Village Hall on May 19, 20 and 21.

Serendipity for Terry, who made some phone calls, as a result of which the painting will be on display in the foyer of the hall for the duration of the play’s run.

Society spokesman Graham Till said: “For many of us, mention of Dylan Thomas’ masterpiece invariably brings a warm glow. If we are of a certain age, we may have heard it in its original form on the wireless, and we instantly hear in our mind’s ear the rich voice of Richard Burton. Many more - of all ages - have read it at school. Arguably, however ,the relative few of us who have seen it performed in the theatre have the fondest memories, for in the theatre the piece comes most fully alive.

“Narrators still recite that glorious poetry - but we are also treated to a visual parade of wonderfully-sketched characters as they dream, wake, and go about their gossipy day, wallowing in nostalgia, busying themselves with the present, and hoping for a better future. Under Milk Wood is by turns by turns whimsical, funny, bawdy, touching, eerie, and always magical.”

Tickets on 01798 815122 - or you can call in person at Cherilyn or the Post Office in West Chiltington.