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  • Playing Burton

  • By: Mark Jenkins
  • Narrated by: Matthew Rhys
  • Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (51 ratings)
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Playing Burton cover art

Playing Burton

By: Mark Jenkins
Narrated by: Matthew Rhys
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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

What listeners say about Playing Burton

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Outstanding performance by Matthew Rhys.

I absolutely loved this. Listened to it twice in one day. Extraordinary performance by Matthew Rhys - his delivery is flawless. Subject matter interesting and kept me engaged.

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wonderful

This is a fascinating look into the life of a British actor icon genius. I absolutely loves it and everyone should read it.

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Very interesting. Very well read.

A very interesting and easy listen. Mathew Rhys' voice and characterisation are perfect for Richard Burton.

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Outstanding

I was gripped from the first sentence. Lost an hour of time but gained a lifetime experience. superb writing and narrator.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Should be on stage

Loved it so much so well told and written I really could see this at small theatre like the one I love in Dublin The Gate.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Rhys is Burton

Masterclass by Matthew Rhys on his portrayal of the Great Welsh Bard.
This would be a must see on the stage or a Biographical documentry film.
Diolch yn fawr iawn !

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    5 out of 5 stars
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OMG. This is brilliant!

Outstanding performance. If Roger Lewis wants someone to play Burton soon, he should look no further than this performance.

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“I wonder who the king is screwing tonight!”

For many of us God has to be Welsh, and that is because we fell in love with the voice of Richard Burton. So while this in no way sounds like him, the cadence and spirit of the man is so well rendered as to be of no consequence. The sprinkling of references to his works like confetti, and the knowing quotes as penetrating as in the bridal bed. Lay back, and enjoy.

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Matthew Rhys is wonderful

Beautifully articulated by Matthew Rhys he brought Richard Burton back to life. I didn’t want it to end. The stories were outrageous and unbelievable, classic Hollywood reprobate. A great listen

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