THE Wales Theatre company brings Welsh life to Malvern in an energetic production of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood.

A day in the life of the people of Llareggub, a Welsh seaside town, the play is such a convincing portrait of human feeling it could be set anywhere.

The adaptable cast performs a selection of characters demonstrating all types of human emotion.

Narrators Russell Gomer and Erica Eirian interact perfectly with the residents of Llareggub. Gomer emulates Thomas himself as he sits on a table at the side of the stage, a glass of stout never far from his lips.

The rest of the cast play more than 20 characters between them.

Music is a big part of the action, both the Welsh choral music and the music of the actors' voices. Mime and movement are also used with skill. The tilted stage is lighted cleverly and used to great effect.

This play has timing, class and imagination and was a great evening's entertainment.

Under Milk Wood plays in the Festival Theatre until tomorrow (Saturday). Tickets, at £10 to £16 (students £8), are available on 01684 892277.

Jo Lafferty