Get ready to be blown away—Matthew Rhys’s portrayal of Richard Burton in Playing Burton is nothing short of sensational. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it possible to truly capture the essence of a legend like Burton, or does any attempt fall short of the man himself? Two decades after his last appearance on a British stage, Rhys returns with a performance that’s as bold as it is heartfelt, leaving audiences wondering how a one-man show could feel so alive. And this is the part most people miss—Rhys doesn’t just mimic Burton; he embodies the contradictions of a man who both celebrated and questioned his own genius.
Rhys’s admiration for Burton, his fellow Welsh expatriate, is palpable. Born 100 years ago this month, Burton’s legacy looms large, but Rhys doesn’t shy away from the challenge. His performance is a masterclass in assured impulsivity, casual command, and raw passion. From the moment he strides onstage—suit, no tie—to interrupt a 1984 news report of Burton’s death, he’s in complete control. “I will not go gentle into that good night,” he declares, misquoting Dylan Thomas, and you’re hooked. But here’s the question: Does Rhys’s interpretation honor Burton’s complexity, or does it romanticize the flaws of a flawed man?
This isn’t your typical one-man show. Mark Jenkins’s monologue, which debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1993, has traveled the world, but Rhys brings something fresh. Known for his TV roles—The Americans, Perry Mason, and the chillingly charismatic turn in The Beast in You—Rhys hasn’t graced the stage since Look Back in Anger in 2012. Adding to the stakes? This production is a brief fundraising tour for Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre. With ticket prices in the triple digits, you’d expect some leeway for a charity event. Yet, under Bartlett Sher’s direction, no leeway is needed. Rhys delivers a performance that’s both suave and raw, leaving you wondering: How did Richard Jenkins, the 12th of 13 children of an alcoholic miner, become the world-conquering, womanizing, and deeply conflicted Richard Burton?
Rhys’s impression is spot-on, though his unamplified voice lacks the rumbling depth of Burton’s. Still, he captures Burton’s contrary spirit, his Welsh roots, and the transformative influence of Philip Burton, the teacher who reshaped his life. The facts—the stage roles, the Hollywood stardom, the tumultuous marriages to Elizabeth Taylor—are familiar, but Rhys’s interpretation is anything but. He doesn’t just recount Burton’s life; he interrogates it. “Why do I do it? Because I’m a lucky bugger,” Burton quips about his womanizing, blending charm with self-awareness. But is this self-awareness genuine, or just another layer of Burton’s carefully crafted persona?
This isn’t a hard-luck story, despite its moments of sadness. Rhys infuses Burton with such intellectual agility and emotional complexity that the show becomes a one-man Hamlet. To be Richard Burton or not to be? Rhys doesn’t just pay tribute—he resurrects. It’s stunning, thought-provoking, and undeniably ★★★★★ worthy.
Playing Burton is touring until November 24. Visit welshnationaltheatre.com for tickets. And now, we want to hear from you: What theater performances have left you in awe recently? Do you think Rhys’s portrayal does justice to Burton’s legacy, or does it gloss over the darker aspects of his life? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
