Dylan Thomas’s “play for voices”, although written for radio, has occasionally found its way to the stage. This latest production from Clwyd Theatr Cymru is one that does full justice to its material and is a truly fitting tribute to the Welsh poet in the centenary year of his birth – pure theatrical magic.

A cast of 11 bring to life the inhabitants of a small town who are seen in the course of just one day. What evolves is theatre at its best with inventive staging, great acting and the chance for an audience to use its imagination, as actors dissolve from one character and instantly emerge as another. For example the frigid Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard becomes the accommodating Polly Garter whilst hearty Butcher Beynon crumbles into ancient Rev Jenkins.

Owen Teale and Christian Patterson act as narrators who superbly deliver Thomas’s descriptive passages that are full of poetic imagery mixing humour with loss and sorrow. Teale, in particular, engages with the audience with tongue-in-cheek looks and gestures.

The rest of their colleagues provide a rich tapestry of characterisation portraying the town’s folk. Natural performance segues effortlessly into outlandish caricature that, at times, drifts slightly over the top.