On TV
During the centenary year of Dylan Thomas' birth, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has brought together some of the best programme makers in Wales and the UK to present a kaleidoscope of programming to place the poet and the stories of his life and work before a new generation.
You can see additional content from the programmes below or find out more about the featured in the season.
Under Milk Wood
In collaboration with , Under Milk Wood is a contemporary presentation of Dylan Thomas’ famous ‘play for voices’ featuring a host of Welsh stars.
A Poet in New York
Set in New York and Laugharne, this single drama explores how Dylan, the creator of some of the most memorable lines in the English language, died in a smog-ridden New York on a November day in 1953 age 39. Tom Hollander plays the lead role in Andrew Davies’ drama, directed by Aisling Walsh.
The Hunchback in The Park
A unique short animation of Dylan Thomas's poem 'The Hunchback in the Park' performed by Michael Sheen.
Welsh Greats: Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas’ old friends and experts tell the story of the Swansea lad who became a global icon - the schoolboy who filled secret notebooks with poems that would one day be read around the world. The programme looks beyond the image of Dylan as a hard-drinking, promiscuous bohemian to re-discover the artist within.
Weatherman Walking: Dylan’s Walks
New Quay and Laugharne - 19:30, Friday 31 October, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One Wales
Derek Brockway’s series includes two programmes dedicated to the landscapes where Dylan lived and worked.
Great Welsh Writers: Vernon Watkins
Described by his close friend Dylan Thomas as 'the most profound and greatly accomplished Welshman writing poems in English', Vernon Watkins dedicated 30 years of his life to working on and promoting the poetry of Thomas and, in the process, his own body of work has been largely overlooked. This programme tells the story of Swansea's other poet and his unique relationship with Dylan Thomas.
Dylan Thomas: A Poet’s Guide
Owen Sheers will give viewers an accessible but in-depth look at a writer who, for too long, has been more famous for his life than for his work.
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Under Milk Wood in Pictures: Peter Blake does Dylan
A remarkable film with exclusive access to Sir Peter Blake in his studio as he adds the final touches to his groundbreaking art works inspired by Under Milk Wood.
Dylan Thomas: A Poet at War
Poet and broadcaster Ifor ap Glyn reveals an often overlooked aspect of Dylan’s life - his work scripting propaganda films for the government during World War Two. He discusses Dylan’s complex politics, his love of film as a medium, and how the work of Dylan the poet was affected by the work of Dylan, the propagandist.
Ugly, Lovely Swansea: A Poet on the Estate
Performance poet Benjamin Zephaniah, is keen to show how poetry can turn people’s life around. On Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One Wales in April, he asks whether Dylan Thomas can do for poetry what The Choir did for music.
Caitlin Thomas in Conversation
Another chance to see Caitlin Thomas in conversation with Vincent Kane. When Dylan Thomas died in New York in 1953 his widow moved to Italy in search of sobriety and peace. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, and after six years of struggle, she gave up alcohol, but peace still evaded her.
In this interview she talks frankly about her turbulent life with the poet, their drinking, their poverty, their fights; and also the difficulties she faced in the years since his death.
(First broadcast as Leftover Wife: Caitlin Thomas)
Related Link
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Sir Tom Jones, Sian Phillips and Michael Sheen are named in an all-star cast for an adaptation of Under Milk Wood.
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A season marking the centenary of Dylan Thomas’ birth is unveiled by Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Wales.
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A look at the TV highlights that feature in the upcoming Dylan Thomas season.
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Download the English version of Dylan Thomas season brochure (3.25MB, pdf)
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Download the Welsh version of Dylan Thomas season brochure (3.29MB, pdf)