Playing Burton

By: Mark Jenkins

Narrated by: Matthew Rhys

Length: 1 hr and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

Emmy Award winner Matthew Rhys stars in this fascinating and award-winning one-man show about international star of stage and screen Richard Burton. Written by Mark Jenkins, Playing Burton offers a penetrating look at the notorious actor’s life, from growing up in an impoverished mining community in South Wales to becoming one of the greatest performers of his generation. Following his passionate, though tempestuous, love affair with Elizabeth Taylor and his tragic - and very public - battle with alcoholism, Playing Burton is a soulful exploration of fame, ambition, and identity told from the perspective of the megastar who experienced it all.

Please note: Playing Burton contains adult language and themes. 

©2020 Mark Jenkins (P)2020 AO Media LLC

A Look at the Legend

This was a play about the life of actor Richard Burton. Matthew Rhys portrayed him handily, and the accents were spot on. A touching look back into family dynamics, career and friends, it was entertaining.

Worrisomely impressive

This for me is worrisomely impressive because as a you lad, I idolized Richard Burton as an actor. I don't think I really want to him as person. This act kind of spoiled it by being so good. 🤭

Wonderful!

Beautifully written and acted. I highly recommend for anyone who loves theatre and history! Bravo!!

Playing Burton

Exquisite. A must listen to! The man playing Burton has him down pat. I’m amazed that I felt so many emotions in such a short time. Kudos to Audible for this amazing piece of art!

Should be a six-star option

Reminds me of that time when even drunks might have class. The language, the weaving of conversation with literature, the voice. That voice, almost like he was back with us for a moment. Bravo.

Blown away. Magnificent beyond my expectations.

Knowing of the career of the great Richard Burton is one thing, to allow yourself to be completely immersed, enthralled, and smitten with every word, every inflection, every moment of this brilliant piece is a true, delicious delight. The acting sublimely superb, the writing, again fabulous. One of my favorites so far, utterly entertaining.

Very Enjoyable

Liked it a lot - jives quite well with the impression of Burton’s life that I got from reading his published diaries.

Rhys’ natural South Walian accent serves the piece well - his timbre sounds a little higher and he does speak a bit more quickly than how I “hear” Burton’s voice in my head. Luckily, I discovered that choosing to have it play back at 0.9 or 0.8 speed deepens the tone, slows things down to a speed that better suits my own notions of Burton’s meter, and as a bonus, doing so also conveniently imparted the impression of the slightly inebriated slur that so many full-time drinkers develop.

Great acting

great acting. one of the best books I've ever listened to can't recommend it enough

What a command of the English language

So we’ll written, so incredibly well read. I actually applauded at the end !!!! BRAVO!!!! This is my first review in many many years of being an Audible member. I just couldn’t contain my appreciation. Thank you Matthew Rhys you are pretty amazing!

Fabulous

Brilliant performance. Excellent sound design. I didn't have much interest in Richard Burton but this made me fall in love. Surprisingly hilarious at times. An absolute pleasure.