In celebration of acting legend, Richard Burton’s centenary, the ‘Centenary Projects Poets Squad’ and PT Rose present ‘Poems for Rich’ and ‘3 Kinghts, 2 Welshmen and A Dame’ on Saturday 8th November at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown

Compere Francesca Mepham

An icon of stage and screen, immortalised for his ability to truly connect with language worked with, Welsh legend Richard Burton – born on the 10th November 1925 would have celebrated his 100th birthday this year. Set to follow in the footsteps of Laurence Olivier, Burton’s tumultuous path would become synonymous with his body of work, to a point overshadowing it – his high profile marriages to Elizabeth Taylor and his battle with addiction elements of fame contended with. Embodying a resonance made for the stage, wrestling with the rich and complex nature of Shakespeare’s verse – Burton very quickly marked himself apart from the rest as a true master of performance.

Prior to his much documented career in Entertainment, he served as Aircraftman in the RAF for 3 years. A student of Exeter College, University of Cambridge, he studied English – this is where he’d also develop his love for the stage, starring in various productions hosted by the Oxford University Dramatic Society. In celebration of Burton’s centenary, the Centenary Projects Poets Squad will start off a double-billed evening at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub theatre on Saturday 8th November reciting poems which currently form part of an anthology titled Poems for Rich, published by SJH Media UK, available to purchase here.

Compèred by multi-talented singer, performer and writer Francesca Mepham, the evening promises to unite fans of Burton’s legacy and anyone who enjoys drama and literature. The event takes place on Saturday 8th November from 7pm at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub theatre and is free to attend – just ensure you book a ticket here first to confirm attendance.

Following on from the poetic showcase, a presentation of PT Rose’s 3 Knights, 2 Welshman and a Dame will take place. The production centres around Burton’s and fellow star Dylan Thomas’ friendship – delving into aspects of fame, legacy and their dependencies. It also features fellow stars Elizabeth Taylor, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Ralph Richardson and Lord Laurence Olivier – figures significant during Burton’s rise.

Written by Lucy Basaba.

Poems for Rich and 3 Kinghts, 2 Welshmen and A Dame takes place on Saturday 8th November at the Ye Olde Rose and Crown pub theatre. To find out more about the event, visit here…