A new BBC drama commemorating 100 years since the birth of Dylan Thomas has been announced with British actor Tom Hollander to play the 20th century Welsh poet. Thomas was well known for his less-than-poetic behaviour and Hollander has said he is ‘thrilled to be playing Dylan Thomas’, who left a ‘considerable poetic legacy and an enduring reputation for bad behaviour‘. Thomas found fame in America through multiple poetry readings and A Poet In New York will center on his visit to New York in 1953 during which he became gravely ill.
The script has been written by House of Cards and Mr Selfridge writer Andrew Davies and has been described by executive producer Griff Rhys Jones as ‘a heartbreaking script that captures those last few days of Dylan’s life beautifully‘. Aisling Walsh is on board to direct the drama.
Hollander is mostly known for his work on the small screen; mini-series The Company, US hit American Dad! and most recently in the BAFTA winning TV series Rev which took a comical look as life as a vicar. An accomplished stage actor, Hollander has played a variety of roles from Jez Butterworth to Shakespeare. He also pops up in a supporting role in Richard Curtis’ latest offering ABOUT TIME.
A Poet In New York will also star Essie Davis (THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS), Ewen Bremner (TRAINSPOTTING) and Phoebe Fox. It is due to be broadcast on the BBC next year.
Source: The Stage
