The Poet Squad at Centenary Poems - live videopods underlined
Gregory James. I have been writing poetry, prose and drama all my life. The English language and literature are my undying passions. I write and perform poetry, have written a sci-fi dystopian novel called The Faith Seekers which deals with the eternal battles between male control and female emancipation, and am currently working on a novel about coercive control. I have written screenplays and radio dramas, and have had interest from Channel 4 for a single drama based on the brutality of reality TV talk shows. My interest in Richard Burton started from hearing his narration for Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – a tour de force of vocal and acting skill which still thrills with his command of the English language. I was lucky enough to meet Richard’s younger brother, Graham, who told me some of the stories of working on film sets with his brother, and pointed out where he doubled as his brother in photos. I am an English specialist who currently teaches ethics and philosophy due to my Humanist convictions and involvement in Humanist causes, being an official Humanist UK Schools Speaker, and funeral celebrant, and Chair of West Glamorgan Humanist Group. But all these things aside, I am a writer, a poet and, if I were able to follow the Greek concept of eudaimonia, I would certainly be on a Greek island writing, writing, writing…
Quote: “Richard Burton has been a legendary figure my whole life- my poem is touched by his immortal voice in his honour.'
Poem:
Faustus
Quote: “Richard Burton has been a legendary figure my whole life- my poem is touched by his immortal voice in his honour.'
Poem:
Faustus
Peter Lynn founded Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors in 1999 and has since grown it into one of South Wales's most respected and successful law firms. He is also chair of Swansea Business Improvement District and sits on a number of community boards, including Morriston Tabernacle, Morriston Cricket Club, Gwalia Choir and several theatre production companies.
Quote: “I was delighted to be asked to pen a short poem for this project - Richard Burton and Dylan Thomas both loom large over my life -Richard’s photo looms over me every day. For me, he epitomises Welshness, poetry, performing art and Hwyl “
Poem: Burton
Quote: “I was delighted to be asked to pen a short poem for this project - Richard Burton and Dylan Thomas both loom large over my life -Richard’s photo looms over me every day. For me, he epitomises Welshness, poetry, performing art and Hwyl “
Poem: Burton
Eleanor Mcleod comes from Swansea and so the pride in following the career of "Welsh actor" Richard Burton was a special one. She grew up loving and speaking poetry and after a successful career as a professional actress, she focused on teaching speech and drama and is now a member of the LAMDA examining board and an adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals - work which has taken her around the world. She also travelled extensively as part of the British Council's Theatre in Education programme, presenting Shakespeare to schools in many countries including Africa and India. She regrets that she didn't see Richard Burton playing "Hamlet" but was engrossed by the recent National Theatre production of "The Motive and the Cue". Eleanor is also a writer of poetry, drama and stories for young readers having had seven very popular books published and she enjoys seeing her work performed as she travels around the UK and abroad. Having grown up in Swansea, the poetry of Dylan Thomas and Vernon Watkins and others was and still is an important influence in her life. She has performed in "Under Milk Wood" more than two hundred times, playing both one of the voices and many of the memorable characters. Listening to Richard Burton as First Voice is always a joy. She loves the challenge of writing structured verse and especially the sonnet form. In the sonnet she has written for this book she wanted to capture the pride and patriotism that was always evident in Richard Burton and is still evoked by listening to that magnificent voice.
Quote: "Being a part of this project is an opportunity to speak as a Welsh compatriot of Richard Burton about the admiration I have for for his unique skills and tangible Welshess."
Poem:
"A Sonnet to the "Welsh actor" Richard Burton"
Quote: "Being a part of this project is an opportunity to speak as a Welsh compatriot of Richard Burton about the admiration I have for for his unique skills and tangible Welshess."
Poem:
"A Sonnet to the "Welsh actor" Richard Burton"
Paul Holroyd Paul has only been writing poems for a few years but has already self-published his work into paperback and e-book under the name, P G Holroyd. His titles are Poetry of Life, the Curse of verse, Poetry of Life, the Crime of Rhyme, Poetry of Life, the Breach of speech, GreenBeard's Vegan Verse, GreenBeard's Vegan Verse Vol. 2, GreenBeard's 'child friendly' Vegan Verse. There will be a Poetry of Life Anthology and a GreenBeard's Vegan uniVerse veganthology coming out sometime in 2025. He can be seen at many poetry events in South Wales and sometimes other parts of the UK reading and performing his poetry. Some of his poems have been turned into songs and others have appeared in various anthologies over the last couple of years. He currently lives and travels in his van and it's this freedom of life that has inspired his creative writing.
Quote: I am honoured to be a part of this awesome project.
Poem
Going for a Burton
Quote: I am honoured to be a part of this awesome project.
Poem
Going for a Burton
Stephanie DuPont writes to bottle time, sending postcards from places only her heart has been, then tearing up the pieces and reshaping them into poetry. A 2025 Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of multiple poetry contests, her work has appeared in The Ekphrastic Review, Cerasus Poetry, The Seventh Quarry Press, Snakeskin, Reach Poetry, and The Dawntreader. Originally from Miami, she spent years volunteering at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and in the Florida Everglades, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature’s quiet persistence. When she’s not writing, painting, or teaching yoga, she wonders if she was born in the wrong century.
Quote: ' I’m absolutely honored to be a part of this project What a meaningful way to celebrate Richard Burton’s legacy!'
Poems:
Two Moments in Two Scenes with Inner Monologue
Weightless Burden
Quote: ' I’m absolutely honored to be a part of this project What a meaningful way to celebrate Richard Burton’s legacy!'
Poems:
Two Moments in Two Scenes with Inner Monologue
Weightless Burden
Lyndon Jeremiah Born in the village of Cilfrew in Neath, Lyndon went on to study at Neath tertiary College and The University of Wales in Caerleon he left Wales to pursue a career in teaching and settling in leafy Warwickshire. A late bloomer at performing his poetry, Lyndon has appeared in many years of Panto and has built up a range of comic characters he regularly performs at venues around Warwickshire and Wales.
He has published several children’s book and indeed the first volume of his memoirs.
He has played Richard Burton in the acclaimed “3 Knights, Two Welshmen and a Dame”
He continues to write and perform.
Quote; “Richard Burton made it sexy to be Welsh and Drunk. I have a lot to thank him for.”
Poem:
Two Boiler Makers
He has published several children’s book and indeed the first volume of his memoirs.
He has played Richard Burton in the acclaimed “3 Knights, Two Welshmen and a Dame”
He continues to write and perform.
Quote; “Richard Burton made it sexy to be Welsh and Drunk. I have a lot to thank him for.”
Poem:
Two Boiler Makers
Bryony Lanham I was born in Cardiff in 1979 and also have family roots in Pembrokeshire and Devon. When I studied history at Cambridge University in the late 1990’s, I joined a creative writing group and also took inspiration from the plays my friends were acting in. I have been writing poetry since high school and my favourite poetry is that of Sylvia Plath, Dylan Thomas and Steve Smith. I began writing again during the pandemic and entered writing competitions online. I first became
aware of Richard Burton’s work when I listened to the recordings for Under Milk Wood. I enjoyed listening to the different characters and thought that Burton’s voice was really suited to the play! I also enjoy writing short stories and writing novels about Welsh history. I find it very rewarding to be able to share my poetry and I also enjoy reading other writers’ work. I currently work for EE/BT in Cardiff and have also recently worked as a teaching assistant for pupils with additional educational needs which helped me to develop as a writer.
Quote: I’m thrilled to be part of this project commemorating Burton’s life and work! I look forward to reading the Centenary anthology and studying the interpretations of his life and work.
Poem:
The Man on the Sidewalk
aware of Richard Burton’s work when I listened to the recordings for Under Milk Wood. I enjoyed listening to the different characters and thought that Burton’s voice was really suited to the play! I also enjoy writing short stories and writing novels about Welsh history. I find it very rewarding to be able to share my poetry and I also enjoy reading other writers’ work. I currently work for EE/BT in Cardiff and have also recently worked as a teaching assistant for pupils with additional educational needs which helped me to develop as a writer.
Quote: I’m thrilled to be part of this project commemorating Burton’s life and work! I look forward to reading the Centenary anthology and studying the interpretations of his life and work.
Poem:
The Man on the Sidewalk
Orna Klement has been writing poetry and songs for many years. Her songs have been performed in Theatrical productions in London and elsewhere. Additionally, Orna is an actor and has appeared in the USA, Italy and UK.
Her poetry can be found on the following blog:
http://subtextsalad.blogspot.com/?m=1
Quote: What an honour to write about this complex and remarkable man!
Poems:
My story
Fucking fed up
Her poetry can be found on the following blog:
http://subtextsalad.blogspot.com/?m=1
Quote: What an honour to write about this complex and remarkable man!
Poems:
My story
Fucking fed up
'Peter Bowen, aged 60, former steelworker, now co-owner of Bethel Chapel Cafe, Pontrhydyfen, site of Richard Burton's memorial service, in 1984.
Family man, cyclist, paddleboarding enthusiast and occasional poet!'
Quote : 'Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not OK, then it's not the end, great to be part of this special project'.
Poem:
RICH....
Family man, cyclist, paddleboarding enthusiast and occasional poet!'
Quote : 'Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not OK, then it's not the end, great to be part of this special project'.
Poem:
RICH....
Gerald Kubrick I'm the writer, director, producer of The biggest Swansea alien invasion short film and creator of "GERALD"! A modern underdog Swansea space odyssey GERALD'S MISSION!
Quote: 'I'm so excited to be part of this project. I'm a huge Richard Burton fan his voice and delivery of poetry. The barren land in my poem could be Wales or could it he's lost in California that open to interpretation. There's no doubt that he lost his way and had his demons but his work was always on point and he always delivered with his own Unique Greatness'
Poem:
Wings of an Eagle
Quote: 'I'm so excited to be part of this project. I'm a huge Richard Burton fan his voice and delivery of poetry. The barren land in my poem could be Wales or could it he's lost in California that open to interpretation. There's no doubt that he lost his way and had his demons but his work was always on point and he always delivered with his own Unique Greatness'
Poem:
Wings of an Eagle
Greg Hayes
Born Irish writer and performance poet living in Swansea.
Quote:
" I have enjoyed revisiting the film, stage performances and life stories of Richard Burton."
Poems:
Dear Richard
Anwyl Rhisiart (Dear Richard)
Born Irish writer and performance poet living in Swansea.
Quote:
" I have enjoyed revisiting the film, stage performances and life stories of Richard Burton."
Poems:
Dear Richard
Anwyl Rhisiart (Dear Richard)
Lloyd Richards born in 1968 and a Proud Welshman. Went to Rugby School. Plans to go to drama school thwarted by early onset parenthood. Lapsed thespian, relapsed poet desperately clawing his way out of the body of a middle-aged mortgage adviser. Lover of Burton since before I was born. Looking to perform Mark Jenkins beautifully written one man show “Playing Burton”, as part of the Centenary celebrations.
Quote: 'To be part of the Burton Centenary is an honour and a privilege and allows me to tell the true story, in verse, of my father's meeting. Rich meets Richards. Cymru Am Byth'
Poem:
The King of Pontrhydyfen (True Story)
Quote: 'To be part of the Burton Centenary is an honour and a privilege and allows me to tell the true story, in verse, of my father's meeting. Rich meets Richards. Cymru Am Byth'
Poem:
The King of Pontrhydyfen (True Story)
Derek Davies - Bard of Baglan. I am a sixty five year old retired builder, originally from Swansea Wales in the UK. I am known locally in the Port Talbot area as The Bard Of Baglan. I have lived in Port Talbot since 1994. I started out on my road of poetry through my life long love of playing guitar, singing and writing song lyrics. I have always tried to write with enthusiasm, passion and deep inner emotion. I have written around two hundred poems to date, including poetry on the late Welsh screen actor Richard Burton.
Quote: 'Self written poetry, to keep alive the memory of Richard Burton'.
Poems
Seren Cymru A’r Byd (English version)
Seren Cymru A'r Byd (Welsh version)
Port Talbot’s Got A Banksy.
The Burton Bantam Of Taibach.
Richard Burton 100 Years.
A Legend In Time/ Richard Burton.
Craig Talbot. AKA C.J. Talbot
I was born in 1976 in Cardiff, South Wales, United Kingdom the youngest of a family of five, and Mum. Leaving Cardiff behind in the early 80’s and moving to the village of Glynneath in the south Wales valleys. I'm now living in Neath. I have 5 daughters . Lost my mum to cancer at the age of 13. This is when I started to write poetry, and silly rhymes.
I self published my first book of poetry called 'What is life'. Available on Amazon
Quote: I'm proud to be part of this amazing project to commemorate such an amazing talent.
Poem :
Valley Boy
I was born in 1976 in Cardiff, South Wales, United Kingdom the youngest of a family of five, and Mum. Leaving Cardiff behind in the early 80’s and moving to the village of Glynneath in the south Wales valleys. I'm now living in Neath. I have 5 daughters . Lost my mum to cancer at the age of 13. This is when I started to write poetry, and silly rhymes.
I self published my first book of poetry called 'What is life'. Available on Amazon
Quote: I'm proud to be part of this amazing project to commemorate such an amazing talent.
Poem :
Valley Boy
Jude Brigley is from Maesteg. She has been a teacher, an editor and a performance poet and is now writing more for the page. She has been widely published from the USA to India, UK to Australia. She likes writing about her home area and bringing ancestors back to life.
Quote: ‘I was happy to write about Richard Burton. Every time the bus to Swansea went through Pont-Rhyd-Y-Fen, my mother would mention him as if to say - see people from this area can be actors and artists. It was inspiring.
Poem:
'Welsh Icon'
Quote: ‘I was happy to write about Richard Burton. Every time the bus to Swansea went through Pont-Rhyd-Y-Fen, my mother would mention him as if to say - see people from this area can be actors and artists. It was inspiring.
Poem:
'Welsh Icon'
Alan Wales previously played Sir Ralph Richardson at the Stratford Upon Avon reading of this play but fancied having a go at Larry Olivier. Alan also works in Stratford playing the Bard's schoolmaster at the award-winning Guildhall Schoolroom museum. He enjoys reading and performing new writing and hopes you relish the competing egos and Burton "in his cups".
Quite: 'I am proud and honoured to be part of this brilliant and enlightening project.
Poem:
Rich Boy
Quite: 'I am proud and honoured to be part of this brilliant and enlightening project.
Poem:
Rich Boy
Patricia A. Clark
Born in Worcestershire, the home of Worcester sauce, I take great pride in my heritage—half English from my mother and half Welsh from my father. Wales, the land of my father, continues to inspire me with its rich language, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. A lifelong lover of the written word, I draw inspiration from literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Ted Hughes, and, of course, Dylan Thomas. Poetry is my first love, but my passion for storytelling has also led me to write a love story set in the 1950s and an older children's fairy tale, both currently awaiting publication. My poetry has been recognized in print, with A Vase of Freesia published in a United Press anthology in 2000, followed by The Last Photograph in 2003. Beyond poetry, my writing has appeared in The Cotswold and Vale Magazine, featuring articles on topics ranging from Dame Naomi James' solo circumnavigation of the globe to the history of West Mercia Constabulary, School dinners, and my experiences at Middle Hill House, the French school I attended as a teenager. I am an active member of the Neath Writing/Poetry Group, where I share and discuss my latest work with fellow writers every Friday. I also attend poetry performances at Neath Rugby Club, where poets bring their words to life. Having retired from my career as a club singer, I now spend my days writing, cooking, and tending to my garden—finding joy in the simple and creative pleasures of life.
Quote: 'The boundless Mr Burton, brought to literary life by 100 poetic appraisal's.'
Poems :
'RICH'
'MY HERO'
'SCORPIO'
Born in Worcestershire, the home of Worcester sauce, I take great pride in my heritage—half English from my mother and half Welsh from my father. Wales, the land of my father, continues to inspire me with its rich language, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. A lifelong lover of the written word, I draw inspiration from literary greats such as William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Ted Hughes, and, of course, Dylan Thomas. Poetry is my first love, but my passion for storytelling has also led me to write a love story set in the 1950s and an older children's fairy tale, both currently awaiting publication. My poetry has been recognized in print, with A Vase of Freesia published in a United Press anthology in 2000, followed by The Last Photograph in 2003. Beyond poetry, my writing has appeared in The Cotswold and Vale Magazine, featuring articles on topics ranging from Dame Naomi James' solo circumnavigation of the globe to the history of West Mercia Constabulary, School dinners, and my experiences at Middle Hill House, the French school I attended as a teenager. I am an active member of the Neath Writing/Poetry Group, where I share and discuss my latest work with fellow writers every Friday. I also attend poetry performances at Neath Rugby Club, where poets bring their words to life. Having retired from my career as a club singer, I now spend my days writing, cooking, and tending to my garden—finding joy in the simple and creative pleasures of life.
Quote: 'The boundless Mr Burton, brought to literary life by 100 poetic appraisal's.'
Poems :
'RICH'
'MY HERO'
'SCORPIO'
Rafael Peñas Cruz is a writer, translator and retired lecturer of Hispanic Culture and Society. He has a degree in English philology from the University of Barcelona and a master's degree in Hispanic studies from Birkbeck College, University of London, the city where he has lived since 1992. In 2004 he published his first novel in Spanish, Las dimensiones del teatro, and in 2009 his second novel, Charlie, also in Spanish won the 5th edition of the Terenci Moix Prize for gay literature. In 2020 he set Goat Star Books, an independent publishing project specialising in poetry translations as a bridge between people and cultures. His latest book is Mystery Languages, a collaboration with three Sheffield-based artists.
Quote :-
Richard Burton, the miner boy done good has always had a place in my Spanish working-class-boy-done-good heart. I am delighted to participate in a project that celebrates his life and work
Poem
'Tinsel and Dust'
Quote :-
Richard Burton, the miner boy done good has always had a place in my Spanish working-class-boy-done-good heart. I am delighted to participate in a project that celebrates his life and work
Poem
'Tinsel and Dust'
Simone Mansell Broome is a Welsh-born envirophile. She’s written eleven books – poetry, memoir and children’s fiction, been published in magazines, ezines and anthologies (since 2005) has undertaken poetry commissions for ITV, radio & Welsh venues. She reads her work widely, including two 2024 Welsh folk festivals. In 2022, she came 2nd in These3Streams festival poetry competition; in 2023, she won Aberystwyth poetry festival competition; this year she’s been shortlisted in Lancaster LitFest(poetry), won Stroud Show short story competition and was a finalist in Swansea Writers’ Circle short story competition. Last year she edited the charity eco-anthology, ‘Words on Troubled Waters’ curated a 10 day art exhibition in August 2024- ‘Arts at Ceridwen’ – the second one is this August; she’s working on her next poetry collection and a new children’s book. www.simonemansellbroome.com www.artsatceridwen.co.uk
Quote:- ‘Mum adored him. Fellow Welshman Dad had a sneaky admiration for him. And me? I was schooled by Richard Burton, learned to love both Shakespeare and Dylan Thomas because of him. So I’m honoured to play a small part in this project.’
Poem:
'Hellraiser'
Quote:- ‘Mum adored him. Fellow Welshman Dad had a sneaky admiration for him. And me? I was schooled by Richard Burton, learned to love both Shakespeare and Dylan Thomas because of him. So I’m honoured to play a small part in this project.’
Poem:
'Hellraiser'
Tony Earnshaw is a journalist and award-winning writer whose books include Under Milk Wood Revisited – The Wales of Dylan Thomas (2014, with photographer Mark Davis). As director of Bradford Film Festival he hosted, in 2002, the UK’s first Richard Burton retrospective. In 2009 he curated a season of Burton classics for the British Film Institute. He has been invited to deliver his illustrated lecture ‘Richard Burton: Lion of the Welsh’ at venues including Chapter Cardiff, the National Media Museum, Sheffield Showroom, and BFI Southbank in London. He first visited Pontrhydyfen in 1999, returning in 2009 and again in 2013 to walk the Richard Burton Trail. He is currently writing a book on the making of The Wild Geese.
Quote: “I am pleased and proud to contribute to this very special centenary project honouring the immortal Richard Burton.”
Poem
'And Rich he was '
Quote: “I am pleased and proud to contribute to this very special centenary project honouring the immortal Richard Burton.”
Poem
'And Rich he was '
Jeannine Segers I am a Belgian citizen, 71 years old, retired. I love writing poetry. I've already published 5 poetry books:
Under the wings of a butterfly
Nostalgic contemplations
Poetic reflections
Reverie
Poetic waves
Quote : I am proud to be a member of Centenary Poets
Poem
I'll write your name
Under the wings of a butterfly
Nostalgic contemplations
Poetic reflections
Reverie
Poetic waves
Quote : I am proud to be a member of Centenary Poets
Poem
I'll write your name
Keith Slaughter I originate from Baglan near port talbot went to Glan Afan comprehensive school which I left in 1973. I worked for the former Glamorgan county authojrity which then became the west Glamorgan authority which finally became the city and county of Swansea. All my working life was spent in the education department fulfilling a number of diverse roles. I am in my 12th year of retirement and try to keep as busy as possible. This is only my second attempt at poetry and must admit, the subject matter was a great inspiration.
Quote - I am delighted to be part of the Richard Burton poetry project. Many years have passed since his death but his legacy lives on. Hopefully more people will now become aware of his modest beginnings in life and understand the effort it took to morph from Richard Jenkins to Richard Burton. A tale which is quite uplifting.
Poem
'A Life less Ordinary'
Quote - I am delighted to be part of the Richard Burton poetry project. Many years have passed since his death but his legacy lives on. Hopefully more people will now become aware of his modest beginnings in life and understand the effort it took to morph from Richard Jenkins to Richard Burton. A tale which is quite uplifting.
Poem
'A Life less Ordinary'
John Coutanche
I was born and raised in Swansea and my main career was spent with Barclays, TSB and Lloyds Banks, before completing various administration roles in South Wales police. I've been married to Diane since 1982 and we have three daughters and three young grandchildren. I am now retired and live in Porthcawl where I enjoy walking my Welsh terrier, Hari, along the cliffs and beaches. My hobbies include playing table tennis, cycling, quizzing and spending time with my grandchildren. I have supported Swansea City football club for many years and also enjoy watching cricket and athletics. I love writing short stories and poems and am an active member of the local U3A writing group. I am currently in the course of completing a humorous version of a book of Sherlock Holmes short stories.
Quote :-
'I feel both delighted and honoured to be involved with the Richard Burton project. It is vitally important that we mark the centenary of a man who rose from such humble local beginnings to become a star known the world over. Richard Burton was immensely talented and whilst, like all of us, he also had his faults and weaknesses, he certainly put our small country firmly on the map and his contribution to the world of stage and screen will never be forgotten. Researching the life and times of a great Welsh celebrity has been a true pleasure. I sincerely hope that you enjoy my contribution as much as I enjoyed putting my thoughts down on paper and recording them.'
Poems:
THE BOY FROM PONTRHYDYFEN
A MESSAGE FROM LIZ
WILD JENK
A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD
I was born and raised in Swansea and my main career was spent with Barclays, TSB and Lloyds Banks, before completing various administration roles in South Wales police. I've been married to Diane since 1982 and we have three daughters and three young grandchildren. I am now retired and live in Porthcawl where I enjoy walking my Welsh terrier, Hari, along the cliffs and beaches. My hobbies include playing table tennis, cycling, quizzing and spending time with my grandchildren. I have supported Swansea City football club for many years and also enjoy watching cricket and athletics. I love writing short stories and poems and am an active member of the local U3A writing group. I am currently in the course of completing a humorous version of a book of Sherlock Holmes short stories.
Quote :-
'I feel both delighted and honoured to be involved with the Richard Burton project. It is vitally important that we mark the centenary of a man who rose from such humble local beginnings to become a star known the world over. Richard Burton was immensely talented and whilst, like all of us, he also had his faults and weaknesses, he certainly put our small country firmly on the map and his contribution to the world of stage and screen will never be forgotten. Researching the life and times of a great Welsh celebrity has been a true pleasure. I sincerely hope that you enjoy my contribution as much as I enjoyed putting my thoughts down on paper and recording them.'
Poems:
THE BOY FROM PONTRHYDYFEN
A MESSAGE FROM LIZ
WILD JENK
A MESSAGE FROM RICHARD
Werner Schneider AKA Oliver Mink
After moving to England in 1982, initially for study purposes, I adopted the stage name Oliver Mink for subsequent training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, which remains valid to this day. Since my return from England, I have been registered with the local residents' registration office as Werner Schneider, using the stage name Oliver Mink.
Quote "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing else"
Poems:
Return
The Exhausted self
After moving to England in 1982, initially for study purposes, I adopted the stage name Oliver Mink for subsequent training at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, which remains valid to this day. Since my return from England, I have been registered with the local residents' registration office as Werner Schneider, using the stage name Oliver Mink.
Quote "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing else"
Poems:
Return
The Exhausted self
Roy J. Thomas has always taken an interest in the life of the “Brenin” King Rich as he calls him. Lord David Rowe - Beddoe, Roy’s great friend , played the organ at Richard’s funeral in Switzerland, and many hours were spent discussing their illustrious friendship. Roy with rugby maestro Cliff Morgan too. Roy lives in Madrid, but his roots are in the Amman and the Neath Valleys. A lawyer by profession, his poetry is now mainly in Spanish and he is currently studying and writing on Art History in Spain.
Quote: “The work in this fine project brings together the warmth, respect and love that many have for Richard Burton. His mastery of expression and voice had a full command of an audience. He made an indelible mark on life , on his family and friends which brought stories that went fittingly with the legend. The acting on stage or screen was always world class .We all grew up in awe of his majestic life which was led at a time when many in South Wales needed heroes to look up to, all were fascinated with the work and life of the boy from Pontrhydyfen. We all still hold Richard in awe and want to remember him, as this remarkable project demonstrates.”
Poem:
From the Fen to Fernhill
Quote: “The work in this fine project brings together the warmth, respect and love that many have for Richard Burton. His mastery of expression and voice had a full command of an audience. He made an indelible mark on life , on his family and friends which brought stories that went fittingly with the legend. The acting on stage or screen was always world class .We all grew up in awe of his majestic life which was led at a time when many in South Wales needed heroes to look up to, all were fascinated with the work and life of the boy from Pontrhydyfen. We all still hold Richard in awe and want to remember him, as this remarkable project demonstrates.”
Poem:
From the Fen to Fernhill
Roger Stennett is a professional writer working on Theatre, BBC Radio Drama, Film and Television. Animation and Poetry. He has recently completed a Screenplay about Dylan Thomas and Igor Stravinsky and an Opera they were planning at the time of the poets death in 1953. It is currently with a major Film Studio in Los Angeles and has been a dream project of his for more than 40 years since he used to tour giving Poetry Readings with Dylan’s daughter. Aeronwy. His work has been produced Internationally and he is the only person to have written for ‘Sooty’ and The Royal Shakespeare Company. In July 2025 his new Collection of 101 Poems ‘Country Sleep’ will be published to accompany ‘ Cloud Cuckoo Land’ (2024) and ‘Forty Poems For Dylan Thomas’ (2022) Currently developing two Dramas for BBC Radio 4 featuring Poets.
Quote: My dad, the entertainer Stan Stennett once asked Richard Burton to appear as Baron Hardup in the panto at Porthcawl... Richard replied.. 'he would LOVE to...but Hollywood was a very jealous mistress.'
Poem
'All The World’s ‘A Pantomime Stage’
Mostly for Escaping
KARMA
Quote: My dad, the entertainer Stan Stennett once asked Richard Burton to appear as Baron Hardup in the panto at Porthcawl... Richard replied.. 'he would LOVE to...but Hollywood was a very jealous mistress.'
Poem
'All The World’s ‘A Pantomime Stage’
Mostly for Escaping
KARMA
Paula Montez
I have always been captivated by poetry, especially the rhyming variety. This inspired me to write my own, which I find to be an entertaining way of expressing an idea, emotion, or observation. My short poems can be viewed on Instagram @paula_montez_poetry. I also have books available on Amazon, and have contributed to various anthologies. Simply put my name into Amazon’s search bar and they will pop up – that’s the advantage of having an unusual name.
Quote: "I am excited to be part of such a prestigious cultural event which will celebrate Richard Burton, who never forgot his Welsh heritage and encouraged the love of literature."
Poems:
You can take the boy out of the pit but......
Trysor Cymru (Welsh)
Wales's Treasure (English translation of Trysor Cymru)
I have always been captivated by poetry, especially the rhyming variety. This inspired me to write my own, which I find to be an entertaining way of expressing an idea, emotion, or observation. My short poems can be viewed on Instagram @paula_montez_poetry. I also have books available on Amazon, and have contributed to various anthologies. Simply put my name into Amazon’s search bar and they will pop up – that’s the advantage of having an unusual name.
Quote: "I am excited to be part of such a prestigious cultural event which will celebrate Richard Burton, who never forgot his Welsh heritage and encouraged the love of literature."
Poems:
You can take the boy out of the pit but......
Trysor Cymru (Welsh)
Wales's Treasure (English translation of Trysor Cymru)
Lorraine Voss is a 'not for profit poet.' She has written 6 printed collections of poetry and several short stories. Her work has been included in a number of anthologies and literary magazines and she is proud to have had poems included in the first ever collection of Welsh dialect poetry: 'Yer Ower Voices', published by Culture Matters and edited by Mike Jenkins. She has also contributed to 'We not me / Ni nid fi' which has been put together by the same team and will be available from autumn, 2025 Lorraine is a regular contributor to Red Poets magazine; she occasionally wins prizes at small Eisteddfods and posts daily poems for free on her Facebook page: Lorraine Voss (AKA Ven)
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Quote: "...and what could be more delightful than to be part of a tribute to a cherished Welsh icon in the good company of one's poetic peers?"
Poems:
Spellbinding
Gone for Burton
The Poor Boy from the Valleys
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Quote: "...and what could be more delightful than to be part of a tribute to a cherished Welsh icon in the good company of one's poetic peers?"
Poems:
Spellbinding
Gone for Burton
The Poor Boy from the Valleys
Emrys Jones
Born and raised in a Welsh speaking home in Dolgellau. I am now retired to Portugal. I have loved English and Welsh literature and poetry all my days. Especially the creations of Saunders Lewis a true Celtic hero and Scouser!
Quote: Cymru Am Byth
Poem
Celtic Heart
Born and raised in a Welsh speaking home in Dolgellau. I am now retired to Portugal. I have loved English and Welsh literature and poetry all my days. Especially the creations of Saunders Lewis a true Celtic hero and Scouser!
Quote: Cymru Am Byth
Poem
Celtic Heart
Tom Whittaker is a thirty five year old Dad of three from Newport in South Wales. He attended the University of Cumbria where he studied 'Religious Studies' and met his now wife Melanie. Though from Wales, he has lived in Lancashire and Northern Ireland before the inevitable allure of the shopping trolley strewn, muddy banks of the river Usk called him back home to settle. His three young children Elijah, Aoife and Erin have been a constant source of joy, wonderment and fulfillment in his life for the last ten years. Tom has a keen interest in the creative arts, particularly photography, music and poetry. Doing his best whenever he can to mix the three. Tom spent a short time as a wedding and portrait photographer before pursuing more artistic and expressive types of photography. A keen amateur creative writer and photographer, he has had poems and art published in literary magazines such as 'Wishbone Words' (a publication created with contributors who are either chronically ill, disabled and/or neurodiverse). Tom is a dedicated Newport County AFC fan and chair of their disabled supporters association. Tom draws his main creative inspiration from his young family, his love of music and Welsh icon/genius Dylan Thomas.
Quote: "A chance to write creatively about a Welsh superstar and all round pop culture icon, Richard Burton, sounded like a great challenge!"
Poem :
'Wildflowers'
Quote: "A chance to write creatively about a Welsh superstar and all round pop culture icon, Richard Burton, sounded like a great challenge!"
Poem :
'Wildflowers'
Magnus Grehn comes from Tranås, Sweden. He is a poet, librarian, small press publisher of
MGF. He has a past in the swedish punk- and hardcore scene and played in several bands.
Now he plays with the industrial-avantgarde band Två Män i en Dambob (Two Men in a
Women Bobsleigh). He has published three split-collections of poetry with Mikael Ekström. He also has publish a psychogeographic book with the artist Karl Larsson. Magnus is published in several magazines and anthologies for poetry and literature in Sweden. Magnus has taken part in the Coracle
Europe Literary Festival in Carmarthenshire 2018, 2019 and 2023 and at the Resonance
Fringe Festival in Copenhagen 2024. Magnus is also involved with the Tranås Fringe Festival.
Quote: ”I never forgot when i heard Richard Burton read A Child’s Christmas in Wales on Swedish TV”
Poem :
A Child´s Christmas in Wales and Sweden (in English)
A Child's Christmas in Wales and Sweden (in Swedish)
MGF. He has a past in the swedish punk- and hardcore scene and played in several bands.
Now he plays with the industrial-avantgarde band Två Män i en Dambob (Two Men in a
Women Bobsleigh). He has published three split-collections of poetry with Mikael Ekström. He also has publish a psychogeographic book with the artist Karl Larsson. Magnus is published in several magazines and anthologies for poetry and literature in Sweden. Magnus has taken part in the Coracle
Europe Literary Festival in Carmarthenshire 2018, 2019 and 2023 and at the Resonance
Fringe Festival in Copenhagen 2024. Magnus is also involved with the Tranås Fringe Festival.
Quote: ”I never forgot when i heard Richard Burton read A Child’s Christmas in Wales on Swedish TV”
Poem :
A Child´s Christmas in Wales and Sweden (in English)
A Child's Christmas in Wales and Sweden (in Swedish)
Paul Williams
Born in a sleepy little village called Pwllgwaun in the mining town of Pontypridd, Wales UK in 1958. The local coalmine which dominated the landscape was just a stone throws away from where he lived, in a cosy stone terraced house with his Mother and sister. School and learning for him was an afterthought, he would prefer to be out and about playing. Eventually Paul became an apprentice carpenter, and that was when learning started. Having spent the next 42 years working in the National Health Service, Paul retired and took up writing poetry. This was a surprise to many it must be said.
He married his gorgeous wife Jayne in May 1984 with three children completing the family. A beautiful granddaughter now being the icing on the cake. When Paul starting to write poetry, for him words took on a whole new meaning, and the thoughts and passion with a pen flowed. Although his first efforts were rather basic ; he strived to get better with each poem. Writing and posting poetry has now become a huge part of his life, and his work has been self-published in three books that he has written and sold to raise money for charity.
Quote: 'It’s so wonderful to be involved and inspired to write for the Richard Burton 100 centenary project'.
Poems :
THERE IS SHOWBIZ IN HEAVEN SAYS RICHARD
RICHARD BIURTON THE EARLY YEARS
Born in a sleepy little village called Pwllgwaun in the mining town of Pontypridd, Wales UK in 1958. The local coalmine which dominated the landscape was just a stone throws away from where he lived, in a cosy stone terraced house with his Mother and sister. School and learning for him was an afterthought, he would prefer to be out and about playing. Eventually Paul became an apprentice carpenter, and that was when learning started. Having spent the next 42 years working in the National Health Service, Paul retired and took up writing poetry. This was a surprise to many it must be said.
He married his gorgeous wife Jayne in May 1984 with three children completing the family. A beautiful granddaughter now being the icing on the cake. When Paul starting to write poetry, for him words took on a whole new meaning, and the thoughts and passion with a pen flowed. Although his first efforts were rather basic ; he strived to get better with each poem. Writing and posting poetry has now become a huge part of his life, and his work has been self-published in three books that he has written and sold to raise money for charity.
Quote: 'It’s so wonderful to be involved and inspired to write for the Richard Burton 100 centenary project'.
Poems :
THERE IS SHOWBIZ IN HEAVEN SAYS RICHARD
RICHARD BIURTON THE EARLY YEARS
K.F.G.Bryant. (Poet of the valley).
Originally from Nantymoel Ogmore Valley. I admin my own Facebook private group K.F.G.Bryant (Poet of the Valley). I’ve been writing poetry for over 25 years. I’ve recently had my first book published ( A Valley Man ) 0f which I’m so proud to have achieved becoming a published Author. I’m an active member and contribute to Merthyr writing group. I also enjoy writing children’s stories in rhyme. I’m a very proud and passionate Welshman and like to put my emotions into words through my poetry. From a coal mining background in the South Wales valleys, seeing , observing and feeling a sense of belonging to a close and tightknit community always takes me back to my childhood days. I love writing about yesteryears and recalling memories of growing up in the South Wales Valleys. The covid pandemic and retirement brought my passion for writing poetry back into my veins and the ink started to flow once more. I now enjoy writing about everyday life in general, I know my limitations and just enjoy what I do. I hope in the near future that I could maybe have some of my children’s stories published. Finally, I believe poetry is for the masses and should be enjoyed by all, whatever our abilities and style. Keep writing and enjoy.
Quote: I’m so proud and feel privileged to be part of the centenary Richard Burton project.
Poem:
King Richard
Words in the Wind (young and Old)
Originally from Nantymoel Ogmore Valley. I admin my own Facebook private group K.F.G.Bryant (Poet of the Valley). I’ve been writing poetry for over 25 years. I’ve recently had my first book published ( A Valley Man ) 0f which I’m so proud to have achieved becoming a published Author. I’m an active member and contribute to Merthyr writing group. I also enjoy writing children’s stories in rhyme. I’m a very proud and passionate Welshman and like to put my emotions into words through my poetry. From a coal mining background in the South Wales valleys, seeing , observing and feeling a sense of belonging to a close and tightknit community always takes me back to my childhood days. I love writing about yesteryears and recalling memories of growing up in the South Wales Valleys. The covid pandemic and retirement brought my passion for writing poetry back into my veins and the ink started to flow once more. I now enjoy writing about everyday life in general, I know my limitations and just enjoy what I do. I hope in the near future that I could maybe have some of my children’s stories published. Finally, I believe poetry is for the masses and should be enjoyed by all, whatever our abilities and style. Keep writing and enjoy.
Quote: I’m so proud and feel privileged to be part of the centenary Richard Burton project.
Poem:
King Richard
Words in the Wind (young and Old)
William Thornton: My life started in Wolverhampton, where I was born in new cross hospital and lived there with my parents till I was around 5 years old when they divorced. We moved back to the families original area of Whitchurch Shropshire, Where I grew up in a lovely community area next to Queensway playing fields where our back step led onto...it was the 1988 and I might be biased but was a beautiful time to be a child. Constantly playing outside with my two brothers and friends. I was an avid sportsman and was never in the house. I was also quite good in school and always had a passion for English as my mother was and English teacher so we were lucky to speak and write very well and loved reading. At the age of 15 I discovered girls and the wide world of money and working and also a new found passion for trance music and going to festivals with my older brother. Music seemed to take over and time I started to experiment with drugs and alcohol which led to me leaving school just before my GCSEs. I became a roofer even though I had a fear of heights, but like me always I always faced my fears and ended up obtaining an nvq level 2 in it and did this for 17 years. In-between I went to the lake District for a few seasons as pot washer and a commis chef and had a passion for the beauty in Ambleside and Windermere and Grasmere too... Wordsworth I discovered there and realised I wanted to be a poet too. As my life went on I became a dad at 20 of Sophie Louise. That relationship didn't work out and over time I became dependent on drugs and alcohol to deal with the struggles of life and found it very hard to cope. So my passions took a back seat, I could no longer work or even go out of the house but did meet a lady again and the most tragic thing happened and my son died at 9 weeks old in 2016 and I went very deep into the dark more than ever. 22 months ago I became a grandad at 40 years old and I thought now is the time to get some help. I'd never been to Liverpool before and after a few goes at recovery it finally started to click and I realised I now have to go for my passions again. So my first poem is this one I have written called souless path about addiction is a little look into what it's really like. My life is beautiful now and will continue to carry on writing poems, I love it and think I have a gift I can share with people
Quote: 'I want to be part of this tribute as I loved Richard Burton in Hamlet and other films I used to watch with my dad'.
Poem:
Souless Path
Quote: 'I want to be part of this tribute as I loved Richard Burton in Hamlet and other films I used to watch with my dad'.
Poem:
Souless Path
Alan Bonas
Born in Cardiff in 1952. My father Cecil was a train driver and my mother Olive worked in the local corner shop which was owned by an Italian called Nic. I was an only child. I went to Kitchener Road school and then at 11 went to the Bishop of Llandaff secondary school. I left school at sixteen in 1968 and started work as a clerk in the highways dept. City Hall, Cardiff. In 1970, I met my wonderful wife Eileen on a dance floor at the Top Rank. I then joined the South Wales Police in 1972. Eileen and I married at the St David's Cathedral, Cardiff in 1974. We had three wonderful children who gave us five grandchildren. I finished my police service in 2002. Sadly my wife died in 2012. I enjoy running and reading. I enjoy the theatre and went to Stratford Upon Avon last year to watch 'the Merchant of Venice.'
Quote: 'Had I not read about Richard Burton's passion for the bard, I probably would never have got interested in him myself'.
Poem :
A tribute to Richard Burton
Born in Cardiff in 1952. My father Cecil was a train driver and my mother Olive worked in the local corner shop which was owned by an Italian called Nic. I was an only child. I went to Kitchener Road school and then at 11 went to the Bishop of Llandaff secondary school. I left school at sixteen in 1968 and started work as a clerk in the highways dept. City Hall, Cardiff. In 1970, I met my wonderful wife Eileen on a dance floor at the Top Rank. I then joined the South Wales Police in 1972. Eileen and I married at the St David's Cathedral, Cardiff in 1974. We had three wonderful children who gave us five grandchildren. I finished my police service in 2002. Sadly my wife died in 2012. I enjoy running and reading. I enjoy the theatre and went to Stratford Upon Avon last year to watch 'the Merchant of Venice.'
Quote: 'Had I not read about Richard Burton's passion for the bard, I probably would never have got interested in him myself'.
Poem :
A tribute to Richard Burton
Rebecca Lowe is a writer, editor and journalist, based in Swansea, Wales, UK. She is a Bread and Roses Spoken Word Award winner, and has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3, and her poetry has featured in many anthologies, including Red Poets, Blackheath Countercultural Review and the Ymlaen/Onward! anthology of radical Welsh Poetry (Culture Matters, 2019). She has two published collections, ‘Blood and Water’(The Seventh Quarry, 2020) and Our Father Eclipse (Culture Matters, 2021) and is working on a third. In 2024 she published Write Mindfully: unlocking the writer within. She hosts Talisman Spoken Word monthly poetry open mic and runs writing workshops with Arts for All, Swansea.
Quote:
'Living in Wales, and being a proud supporter of the Arts, I wanted to be part of the centenary project celebrating Richard Burton's work. I used to work as a sub editor for the South Wales Evening Post and remembered reading about how the actor used to visit his hometown of Pontrhydyfen. When he made money, he offered houses to his relatives and his niece chose to continue living in the small terraced house where Richard Burton grew up. Most of his partners weren't interested, preferring to stay in posh hotels, but apparently Elizabeth Taylor thoroughly embraced the experience, drinking in the local pub and even learning some words of Welsh. It fascinated me, this thought of two very Hollywood icons coming to stay in a small Welsh village, and that was the inspiration for my poem 'Home Visit'.
Poem:
Hometown Visit
Quote:
'Living in Wales, and being a proud supporter of the Arts, I wanted to be part of the centenary project celebrating Richard Burton's work. I used to work as a sub editor for the South Wales Evening Post and remembered reading about how the actor used to visit his hometown of Pontrhydyfen. When he made money, he offered houses to his relatives and his niece chose to continue living in the small terraced house where Richard Burton grew up. Most of his partners weren't interested, preferring to stay in posh hotels, but apparently Elizabeth Taylor thoroughly embraced the experience, drinking in the local pub and even learning some words of Welsh. It fascinated me, this thought of two very Hollywood icons coming to stay in a small Welsh village, and that was the inspiration for my poem 'Home Visit'.
Poem:
Hometown Visit
Emily Hancox is a dedicated and passionate creative writer who studied at South Wales University. With a deep love for Welsh heritage, she has worked in the industry for over eight years, contributing to local tourism at notable sites such as Aberdulais, the National Trust, and Swansea’s Waterfront Museum. Her published books include: “Ballerina,” “A Little Bit Of Joy,” and “Research and Write.” The latter features poems inspired by historical figures, which she researched during the Covid pandemic. Her poetry often reflects her travels and local heritage, and she shares her work on her Instagram page, Postcard Poet. Emily’s poems “Aberdulais Bwbach” and “Suffragette” have been featured in local anthologies such as Cheval 11 and 13. Emily is honoured to be featured in this collection of poems. She draws inspiration from the collective creativity of local poets and the enduring Welsh spirit.
Quote: "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true" is a quote from Cinderella
Poem:
‘Burton On The Bridge’
Quote: "No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true" is a quote from Cinderella
Poem:
‘Burton On The Bridge’
Phil Knight is a poet and political activist from Neath, South Wales. He was educated at Neath Further Education College and the Polytechnic of Wales, Pontypridd. He has had poems published in ‘Red Poets’, ‘Atlantic Review’, ‘Roundyhouse’, ‘Poetry Wales’, ‘EarthLove’, ‘Planet’ and other publications. In 2014 Green Arrow published his poetry chapbook ‘Dylanation’. In 2015 The Red Poets published his poetry collection ‘You Are Welcome To Wales’.
Quote: : "Richard Burton is my favourite actor."
Poems :
The Best and Worst of Burton
And I learnt The History of The Class Struggle From The Movies
Quote: : "Richard Burton is my favourite actor."
Poems :
The Best and Worst of Burton
And I learnt The History of The Class Struggle From The Movies
Marieta Maglas resides in France, where she pursues dual careers as a poet and a doctor. Her literary themes encompass love, freedom, truth, justice, and existentialism. Marieta's poetry has appeared in numerous literary journals, including The MockingOwl Roost, Lothlorien Journal, Verse-Virtual, Silver Birch Press, Sybaritic Press, Four Feathers Press, Kingfisher Poetry, Haikuniverse, Masticadores Canada ,Oddville Press, Dashboard Horus, Coin-Operated Press, Mayari Literature, Synchronized Chaos, Al-Khemia Poetica, PentaCat Press, Phoenix Z Publishing, All Your Poems Magazine, Letterpile, Tuck Magazine, Southern Arizona Press, Antarctica Journal, and Ardus Publications. Additionally, her work has been featured in several anthologies, such as Near Kin: A Collection of Words and Art Inspired by Octavia Estelle Butler (USA), Nancy Drew Anthology: Writing and Art Featuring Everybody’s Favorite Female Sleuth (USA), The Cardinal Anthology Volume 3 (USA), Ain’t no Deadbeats Around Here Anthology (UK) , Startled by MUSIC 2023 (USA), Startled by FAITH 2023 (USA), A Divine Madness: An Anthology of Modern Love Poetry (UK), The Auroras and Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: 2020 Edition (Canada), and Enchanted- Love Poems and Abstract Art (Slovakia) . Some of her poems have been translated into Japanese, published in the Journal of Akita International Haiku in Japan, and into Korean, appearing in DiziBooks in South Korea. In 2016, her poetry collection titled Cubic Words was released in Belgium.
Quote: Richard Burton wrote, 'What an extraordinary world it is.'
I would love to say, 'I am exploring the films featuring Richard Burton to gain insight into this remarkable realm.'
Poem :
Rondeau Redoublé for Richard Burton
Quote: Richard Burton wrote, 'What an extraordinary world it is.'
I would love to say, 'I am exploring the films featuring Richard Burton to gain insight into this remarkable realm.'
Poem :
Rondeau Redoublé for Richard Burton
Andy O'Malley aka the one.minute.poet
I'm a dedicated poet/songwriter who has been writing since the age of 12. I find inspiration in the serene beauty of the gower countryside, often walking with my dog to reflect and gather my thoughts. Im a loving father to two boys who have been his greatest support, I credit them with saving my life during the toughest times of living with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. While these challenges are part of his journey, they do not define me.
Quote: 'Through my poetry, I hope to share my experiences and emotions, aspiring that one day people will read my words and remember me for them.
Poem:
Gravel Tongued and Brassy Lipped
I'm a dedicated poet/songwriter who has been writing since the age of 12. I find inspiration in the serene beauty of the gower countryside, often walking with my dog to reflect and gather my thoughts. Im a loving father to two boys who have been his greatest support, I credit them with saving my life during the toughest times of living with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. While these challenges are part of his journey, they do not define me.
Quote: 'Through my poetry, I hope to share my experiences and emotions, aspiring that one day people will read my words and remember me for them.
Poem:
Gravel Tongued and Brassy Lipped
Mark Lewis: Born and bred in Wales, Mark worked in the museum sector for 30 years before
going freelance in 2023, and he was able to dedicate more time to his creative writing. In 2020 he curated the exhibition Forged In Wales at Tenby Museum, a celebration of five Welsh actors which included Richard Burton and featured archive material from Mark’s own extensive personal collection. Author of two novellas and several dramatic performances, Mark recently played Burton in his play A Cocktail Mixed In Wales to great acclaim. At the moment Mark is planning a Richard Burton Festival to be held in Tenby in September/October 2025 which will also feature his play The Courage of the Solitary, based around the making of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Mark’s extended prose poem, Erimos, a moral-powered tale that blended timeless mythology and contemporary darkness, was published in 2024 and was praised for its sheer originality, imaginative use and control of language and impressive poetic and dramatic moments. He will be appearing at various festivals in 2025 including Solva Edge
Festival and Aberystwyth Poetry Festival. Mark is currently working on a new collection of poems due to be published by The Seventh Quarry Press in early 2026. His plan in life is to “find professional tranquillity through the creation of the written word and enjoy my life with my wonderfully supportive wife, Emma.” His website is: www.marklewisfreelance.co.uk
Quote: “As a long-time fan of Richard Burton, I am delighted to have been part of this wonderful project celebrating the 100th anniversary of Burton’s birth. Burton, the man and actor, remains a Welsh legend and as a poet, he was a rich mine to seam.”
Poem:
Burton
Final Curtain
Burton & Taylor
going freelance in 2023, and he was able to dedicate more time to his creative writing. In 2020 he curated the exhibition Forged In Wales at Tenby Museum, a celebration of five Welsh actors which included Richard Burton and featured archive material from Mark’s own extensive personal collection. Author of two novellas and several dramatic performances, Mark recently played Burton in his play A Cocktail Mixed In Wales to great acclaim. At the moment Mark is planning a Richard Burton Festival to be held in Tenby in September/October 2025 which will also feature his play The Courage of the Solitary, based around the making of The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. Mark’s extended prose poem, Erimos, a moral-powered tale that blended timeless mythology and contemporary darkness, was published in 2024 and was praised for its sheer originality, imaginative use and control of language and impressive poetic and dramatic moments. He will be appearing at various festivals in 2025 including Solva Edge
Festival and Aberystwyth Poetry Festival. Mark is currently working on a new collection of poems due to be published by The Seventh Quarry Press in early 2026. His plan in life is to “find professional tranquillity through the creation of the written word and enjoy my life with my wonderfully supportive wife, Emma.” His website is: www.marklewisfreelance.co.uk
Quote: “As a long-time fan of Richard Burton, I am delighted to have been part of this wonderful project celebrating the 100th anniversary of Burton’s birth. Burton, the man and actor, remains a Welsh legend and as a poet, he was a rich mine to seam.”
Poem:
Burton
Final Curtain
Burton & Taylor
International Beat Poet Laureate Fin Hall, hosts Like A Blot From The Blue, a monthly zoom open mic, and co hosts Poetry in The Park, and has produced other live open mics and the New Pitsligo Spoken Word Festival. Along with the films he makes, over 600 different people from all over the world have taken part in these activities. He is frequently asked to review poetry books and has been feature artist and online events in many places in the world, and live ones in the North East of Scotland. He often writes about the joys of being a septuagenarian and also social and political injustice. Even when it often doesn’t seem so. He loves nothing more than collaborating with others. Under the Blot name he also is a publisher
Quote: “ Even those with flaws should be celebrated
Poem:
Teacher's Protégé
Quote: “ Even those with flaws should be celebrated
Poem:
Teacher's Protégé
Maggie Jenkins. I am sixty-two years old and happily retired after completing a total of 37 years in the employ of South Wales Police as a Police Officer for 30yrs and as a civilian employee for seven years. Before joining the Police Service, I trained and qualified as a Radiographer. My first venture into writing was at the age of about nine, when a poem which I had written as a piece of English homework was entered for and won the Platinum Pen competition, I think that was in around 1971 and I was nine years old. The Poem was called White Horses and was about the Sea. That was my first piece of published writing. Then working and married life took over and my creative pen stayed firmly in my pencil case. Apart from writing the occasional bawdy birthday. I retired completely in 2019 following what I can only describe as a severe mental health crisis, just in time for the COVID pandemic. I have always been an avid reader of anything between two covers. In my childhood I read everything from The Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh to The complete works of Dickens, and my favourite book was Ben Hur by Lew Wallace. And also, the Poldark Novels written by Winston Graham. My adult bookshelves contain books of poetry ranging from Wordsworth and Keats to Spike Milligan and Edward Lear. I began writing again after retirement and during the Covid pandemic in 2020. I have written several volumes of poems which are published through Amazon and sold to raise money for Riding for the Disabled, where I volunteer as a riding coach. As a charity project I have also written a children’s book aimed at the 9 – 14 age group, it is called Ginger Like Biscuits and is the adventures of a Welsh Mountain Pony. The writing end of my pen had been awakened. As well as a number of books of poetry and verse I have now written three novels, two in the genre of Historical fantasy fiction and one Crime based. I publish independently and my work can be found on Amazon.
Quote: 'Richard Burton was an actor who with his distinctive rich voice inspired in me a love of all things literary'.
Poems:
Row 33
The Cross I bear
The Burtons - A soap opera in 2 parts
Quote: 'Richard Burton was an actor who with his distinctive rich voice inspired in me a love of all things literary'.
Poems:
Row 33
The Cross I bear
The Burtons - A soap opera in 2 parts
Neil ap Cymru is Cymru’s first Cosmopolite-Culuralist-Educator and has voluntarily offered his services to progressive, educational & cultural projects on the ‘Icons of Cymru’. He returned to ‘The Land of his Mothers & Fathers’ in 2000 in-order to inaugurate culturally enlightening and ethical projects for today’s youth and tomorrow’s children via the ‘Greats of Cymru Project’. He has called for the whole-scale implementation of Cymraes a Cymros iconography into the educational system and went on to contribute to progressive historical & identity ideas to BBC Wales, HTV, S4C and BBC Wales Radio. He is currently writing a series of books for the young Cymros a Cymraes, highlighting the role models of each progression for the first time in Welsh History and also setting-up the ‘Cymric-In’ Movement for all creatives, designers, artist and beautiful minds in Cymru dedicated to re-birthing and discovering the visionaries of ‘World-Wide-Wales’ and who wish to further streamline their internationalist, ambassadorial and ‘Cymru-Accountability’ . I am currently inaugurating a New Art Movement called 'Evolvicism' at Elysium. This runs side by side with the ‘Cymru-In’ counterculture movement, which is inspired by the Sit-in of 1960, the Teach-In of 1965 and the Be-In of 1967.
Quote: Richard Burton or as he is referred to in my poem, 'Jenkins',...... was an 'Icon of Mother Earth'. Today we have brought him back to life via my New Cultured Art Movement, 'Evolvicism', 'The Icon Art of Dignity, Remembrance & Celebration via Accountable Role-Model Knowledge in-order to inspire & birth a New Generation of Internationalist Cymraes a Cymros: honored to be involved in this enlightening project.....
Poem:
Jenkins' via 'Evolvicism'
Quote: Richard Burton or as he is referred to in my poem, 'Jenkins',...... was an 'Icon of Mother Earth'. Today we have brought him back to life via my New Cultured Art Movement, 'Evolvicism', 'The Icon Art of Dignity, Remembrance & Celebration via Accountable Role-Model Knowledge in-order to inspire & birth a New Generation of Internationalist Cymraes a Cymros: honored to be involved in this enlightening project.....
Poem:
Jenkins' via 'Evolvicism'
Graham Mills
I was born in Swansea in the late 1950s and have spent my whole life in the area. My wife and I now live in the lower Swansea valley and have done so for around thirty years, with our son and daughter living nearby. I've worked in the construction industry all my life. My wife and I ran a building company for thirty five years before taking early retirement a few years ago.
I now have more time to spend with my grandchildren and to pursue the interests I have always had a passion for. These include singing in a local male voice choir, learning to play the guitar and extending my interest in creative writing. I've been a member of a creative writing group for a couple of years where I've made good friends and enjoyed learning about different styles of writing. This has also given me the opportunity to write more poetry, which has been an interest of mine for a long time.
Quote : I occasionally attend open mic poetry events to share the poems I write. I find it so fulfilling sharing my poetry and listening to the poetry of others. I believe poetry is definitely on an upward trajectory and long may it continue. This book is a good example of that fact, giving people like myself the opportunity to pay tribute to the great Richard Burton.
Poem :
His Star Still Shines Bright
I was born in Swansea in the late 1950s and have spent my whole life in the area. My wife and I now live in the lower Swansea valley and have done so for around thirty years, with our son and daughter living nearby. I've worked in the construction industry all my life. My wife and I ran a building company for thirty five years before taking early retirement a few years ago.
I now have more time to spend with my grandchildren and to pursue the interests I have always had a passion for. These include singing in a local male voice choir, learning to play the guitar and extending my interest in creative writing. I've been a member of a creative writing group for a couple of years where I've made good friends and enjoyed learning about different styles of writing. This has also given me the opportunity to write more poetry, which has been an interest of mine for a long time.
Quote : I occasionally attend open mic poetry events to share the poems I write. I find it so fulfilling sharing my poetry and listening to the poetry of others. I believe poetry is definitely on an upward trajectory and long may it continue. This book is a good example of that fact, giving people like myself the opportunity to pay tribute to the great Richard Burton.
Poem :
His Star Still Shines Bright
Jan price is a Performance Poet, reading in Clubs, Pubs, Halls, Shopping Malls. Schools and Prisons.
Has read in The Albert Hall. Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Prison,
Sheraton Hotel, Nigeria, and hundreds of other venues.
Kept four busy pubs and published a book My Life Behind Bars for sale on Amazon.
Quote: 'It's wonderful to be part of a project about such a great Welsh man'.
Poem :
VALLEY BOY
Has read in The Albert Hall. Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Prison,
Sheraton Hotel, Nigeria, and hundreds of other venues.
Kept four busy pubs and published a book My Life Behind Bars for sale on Amazon.
Quote: 'It's wonderful to be part of a project about such a great Welsh man'.
Poem :
VALLEY BOY
Chris O’Malley Born and bred in Swansea with an early life peppered with culture and history of Wales. Inspired by Dylan Thomas and a lover of all things Welsh. I’m a believer that the written word crosses all boundaries. I feed off culture, nature and my environment and write passionately from the heart. I’m a lover of nature and I have an enthusiasm for all outdoor activities. I’m a lover of nature and a mad fisherman. I believe I’m a free spirit, a wild soul and a Druid at heart. I hope that my writings will one day inspire others to put their feelings on paper with their own thoughts, words and eyes. I have self published two books,
Dancing With Annie (Caring For A Survivor) Sounds Of My Swansea Childhood. (A Collection Of Poems)
Quote: 'Give me words and I'll give you an ocean filled with fishes, seaweed and sand. Give me the time to write you the book and we'll walk through its pages hand in hand'.
Poems:
Stranger Well Met In Pontrhydyfen
Voice of the Dragon
Dancing With Annie (Caring For A Survivor) Sounds Of My Swansea Childhood. (A Collection Of Poems)
Quote: 'Give me words and I'll give you an ocean filled with fishes, seaweed and sand. Give me the time to write you the book and we'll walk through its pages hand in hand'.
Poems:
Stranger Well Met In Pontrhydyfen
Voice of the Dragon
Verne Farrugia enjoyed a career spanning over 45 years in Banking and Finance is honoured to have been nominated for Welsh Woman of the Year in 1998, by Barclays Bank PLC for her achievements in running her own business. Retiring from her role as Commercial Business Director for Towergate Insurance Brokers Wales in 2021, Verne now lives in Porthcawl with her husband Jimmy and their cat Toastie. She is the proud mother of two sons, Jason and Ross and being Nanu to her five grandchildren is in her opinion the greatest title she has ever earned; one that she wears with pride every day. Verne likes reading, walking, keeping fit and enjoys travelling with her friends and family, loving nothing better than touring the UK and Europe with her husband in their motorhome. She joined the Porthcawl U3A Writing Group in 2022 and has since penned a variety of short stories and poems and is currently writing her first novel.
Quote: 'Delighted to be joining so many other talented poets in celebration of the boy from Pontrhydyfen who became a global icon'
Poem:
The Voice
Quote: 'Delighted to be joining so many other talented poets in celebration of the boy from Pontrhydyfen who became a global icon'
Poem:
The Voice
Andrew Challis aka Challis Musings
Proud Merthyr boy. I started writing poetry during the pandemic for my own and other's sanity and it has been really popular ever since. I've read numerous pieces live on BBC Radio Wales and have been featured in various articles on the likes of Nation Cymru, People's Collection websites and others. A piece I wrote entitled 'Hiraeth' was recently recommended to a member of the public by National Library of Wales.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BiCfW3Pu4/
https://youtube.com/@andrewchallis-m5f?si=wu7vgoSedWftt3r_
Quote: "Humbled"
Poem:
Rich In Talent
Proud Merthyr boy. I started writing poetry during the pandemic for my own and other's sanity and it has been really popular ever since. I've read numerous pieces live on BBC Radio Wales and have been featured in various articles on the likes of Nation Cymru, People's Collection websites and others. A piece I wrote entitled 'Hiraeth' was recently recommended to a member of the public by National Library of Wales.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BiCfW3Pu4/
https://youtube.com/@andrewchallis-m5f?si=wu7vgoSedWftt3r_
Quote: "Humbled"
Poem:
Rich In Talent
Julie Broadbent developed a love of music, theatre and dance growing up in North Wales with male voice choirs and the Eisteddfod. She performed different music, songs, plays and spoken word at school (including a wicked witch) and loved performing and acting. Having completed a Creative Arts degree she worked in a range of social service, disability services and support roles.
Julie now shares her passion for the arts through acting and directing a range of plays, musicals & pantomimes and especially loves new writings and script development. She also facilitates and devises work with schools, community groups and care settings, developing creativity, confidence and communication in others as a dance and drama artist.Drawn to the project, not only by the range of idols and heart throbs, but for the diversity of writing and freedom to express through poetry and the joys of reading and listening to the poetry of others.
Quote: 'This project links writers, poets, actors and creatives to share their passion and it has been great to tell my story and watch, listen to the stories of others'.
Poem :
'A Full Or Wasted Life ?'
Julie now shares her passion for the arts through acting and directing a range of plays, musicals & pantomimes and especially loves new writings and script development. She also facilitates and devises work with schools, community groups and care settings, developing creativity, confidence and communication in others as a dance and drama artist.Drawn to the project, not only by the range of idols and heart throbs, but for the diversity of writing and freedom to express through poetry and the joys of reading and listening to the poetry of others.
Quote: 'This project links writers, poets, actors and creatives to share their passion and it has been great to tell my story and watch, listen to the stories of others'.
Poem :
'A Full Or Wasted Life ?'
Jim Loft
I grew up in Cwmbran, raised single handedly by my mother alongside my elder sister and brother. I never knew my father who died when I was 9 months old. I studied Chemistry in Norwich and finally ended my travels 40 years ago in Swansea, where I live with my wife Jayne and the three empty bedrooms of our ‘grown and flown’ children. I convene the Swansea U3A poetry group, I run an international online poetry group and I am a member of the Swansea & District Writer’s Circle poetry group. Poems I have written appear in various published anthologies. I offer voluntary mentoring for small business leaders in Wales, and I find keeping busy is a reasonable road to happiness. I came to Poetry fairly late in life but found it to be a unique medium to explore thoughts, ideas and emotions in ways that no other art form can. Sharing poetry can be a very personal experience, as any poet who has found a way to speak honestly will tell you. My aspirations are to explore more deeply into the many poetry forms, and to continue to express a view of the world which opens minds and comforts hearts, in whoever may read what I write. I am happiest writing about the beauty of nature, rejoicing in the amazing universe around our tiny Earth, and celebrating the bravery of hearts who struggle against oppression. Wales holds a very special place in me, having travelled widely I always feel a strong welcoming warmth of home when I return. I am constantly surprised in wonderment at the talent that our small country has launched into the rest of the world.
Quote : 'We are all responsible for the history written about those who can no longer speak
for themselves, let us enjoy their achievements and celebrate their legacy'.
Poem :
“Legacy – A life well lived”
I grew up in Cwmbran, raised single handedly by my mother alongside my elder sister and brother. I never knew my father who died when I was 9 months old. I studied Chemistry in Norwich and finally ended my travels 40 years ago in Swansea, where I live with my wife Jayne and the three empty bedrooms of our ‘grown and flown’ children. I convene the Swansea U3A poetry group, I run an international online poetry group and I am a member of the Swansea & District Writer’s Circle poetry group. Poems I have written appear in various published anthologies. I offer voluntary mentoring for small business leaders in Wales, and I find keeping busy is a reasonable road to happiness. I came to Poetry fairly late in life but found it to be a unique medium to explore thoughts, ideas and emotions in ways that no other art form can. Sharing poetry can be a very personal experience, as any poet who has found a way to speak honestly will tell you. My aspirations are to explore more deeply into the many poetry forms, and to continue to express a view of the world which opens minds and comforts hearts, in whoever may read what I write. I am happiest writing about the beauty of nature, rejoicing in the amazing universe around our tiny Earth, and celebrating the bravery of hearts who struggle against oppression. Wales holds a very special place in me, having travelled widely I always feel a strong welcoming warmth of home when I return. I am constantly surprised in wonderment at the talent that our small country has launched into the rest of the world.
Quote : 'We are all responsible for the history written about those who can no longer speak
for themselves, let us enjoy their achievements and celebrate their legacy'.
Poem :
“Legacy – A life well lived”
Tannishtha Banerjee.
I am from Kolkata, India. I was born on 7th August, 2003. I graduated in English literature from The Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata in 2024. Literature (of any language) is my childhood love and I started doing creative writing (first through poetry) when I was 12. My best times are those I spend in creative writing, studying literature, critically watching old (and selectively new) movies, exploring a variety of music, and learning about different things. My other hobbies include debating, reciting and occasionally painting. I love engaging in cross-cultural transactions. I enjoy translating treasures of Bengali literature to English within my own capacity. In 2024, I wrote a research paper where I aimed to analyse the unique traits of Shakespearean presentations in the age of Kitchen-Sink realism. All I want to do in life is being a part of anything that makes me and the world around me a bit better than it is.
Quote: 'Nothing could make me more fortunate than being able to present a soul I love with something I love, that is poetry'.
Poems :
Singing a Song to a Lad Never Gone.
Ametié des Titans— A Sonnet on Rich and Pedro.
I am from Kolkata, India. I was born on 7th August, 2003. I graduated in English literature from The Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata in 2024. Literature (of any language) is my childhood love and I started doing creative writing (first through poetry) when I was 12. My best times are those I spend in creative writing, studying literature, critically watching old (and selectively new) movies, exploring a variety of music, and learning about different things. My other hobbies include debating, reciting and occasionally painting. I love engaging in cross-cultural transactions. I enjoy translating treasures of Bengali literature to English within my own capacity. In 2024, I wrote a research paper where I aimed to analyse the unique traits of Shakespearean presentations in the age of Kitchen-Sink realism. All I want to do in life is being a part of anything that makes me and the world around me a bit better than it is.
Quote: 'Nothing could make me more fortunate than being able to present a soul I love with something I love, that is poetry'.
Poems :
Singing a Song to a Lad Never Gone.
Ametié des Titans— A Sonnet on Rich and Pedro.
Mike Everley has been writing poetry and fiction since the 1970s. He was born in Abertillery and now lives in Swansea. His work has been published in many literary journals and online websites including: the Anglo Welsh Review, Cambrensis, New Welsh Review, Poetry Wales, Outposts, Cardiff Poet, Undiscovered Poet, Entheoscope, Poetry News (Poetry Society), Lothlorien Online Poetry Journal, 5-7-5 Haiku Online Journal, The Bamboo Hut, Dark Poets Club, Green Ink Poetry, Coop, Wildfire Words, The Nature Of Our Times, The Closed Eye, 101 Words, Cranked Anvil, Voice Club, Train Of Thought, These Pages Sing, XR Creative Hub and Acumen. He has work accepted for future editions of Red Poets and The Seventh Quarry. He has also had articles published in general, specialist, family history and literary magazines including: New Statesman, My Weekly, Popular Crafts, Family Tree, Family History, Who Do You Think You Are and Ancestors. He was a member of both the NUJ and the Society of Authors before retirement and has tutored on courses run by the London School of Journalism, RRC and Writers' News. As a silver haired scribbler he enjoys taking part in Open Mics around South Wales and is an active member of the Swansea and District Writers’ Circle and the Elysium Scribes.
Quote: "Although your body is in Switzerland, your heart will always be in Wales."
Poems :
Richard bach
Star of Wales
Quote: "Although your body is in Switzerland, your heart will always be in Wales."
Poems :
Richard bach
Star of Wales
Claudette Evans
In my professional life, I was a singer/songwriter and musician, performing in a variety of guises
from rock bands to solo entertainer. I also enjoyed passing these skills to new generation and
recording and promoting new talent when my gigging days ended. Since retiring, I have time to enjoy getting to grips with my long-planned book about a time- travelling teenager and her dog. I am a member of three writing groups, Porthcawl & Bridgend, u3a’s and Bridgend Writers’ Circle – the challenge of writing, in particular short stories or poems on a ‘prompt’ I find keeps the grey cells active. Combining all the skills I have learned over the years, resulted in the production of an
anthology of short stories, poems and memoirs entitled ‘Pen to Paper’ and collated from members
of local writing groups. Printed and funded by Awen Trust and BCBC, this was part of the ‘Stronger
Together’ initiative during covid. I have since recorded all the entries, which are available on YouTube. I have two Cairn terriers which keep me active; I still play guitar and keyboards, purely for fun and when I’m not writing, my hobbies are photography, drawing, watching or reading a good crime thriller.
Quote: "Being a lover of verse, this has given me the opportunity to awaken his timeless radience, weaving words that allow his legend to shine anew."
Poems:
Lost to the Flames
100 Years of a Voice Eternal
The Timbered Voice
Under the Bridge
In my professional life, I was a singer/songwriter and musician, performing in a variety of guises
from rock bands to solo entertainer. I also enjoyed passing these skills to new generation and
recording and promoting new talent when my gigging days ended. Since retiring, I have time to enjoy getting to grips with my long-planned book about a time- travelling teenager and her dog. I am a member of three writing groups, Porthcawl & Bridgend, u3a’s and Bridgend Writers’ Circle – the challenge of writing, in particular short stories or poems on a ‘prompt’ I find keeps the grey cells active. Combining all the skills I have learned over the years, resulted in the production of an
anthology of short stories, poems and memoirs entitled ‘Pen to Paper’ and collated from members
of local writing groups. Printed and funded by Awen Trust and BCBC, this was part of the ‘Stronger
Together’ initiative during covid. I have since recorded all the entries, which are available on YouTube. I have two Cairn terriers which keep me active; I still play guitar and keyboards, purely for fun and when I’m not writing, my hobbies are photography, drawing, watching or reading a good crime thriller.
Quote: "Being a lover of verse, this has given me the opportunity to awaken his timeless radience, weaving words that allow his legend to shine anew."
Poems:
Lost to the Flames
100 Years of a Voice Eternal
The Timbered Voice
Under the Bridge
Sean Edwards is 54 year old steelworker from Newport. He has been writing poetry since a cycling accident 20 years ago. Sean was commissioned to write a poem for an FA Cup tie between Newport County and Tottenham Hotspurs. Michael Sheen taking centre stage narrating the poem. Recently Sean became a published author. A children's picture book called Mostyn & The Dragon. Sean has words laser cut in a sculpture called the engineer that overlooks the Severn Estuary. Sean is married to the lovely Michelle. He is also a father to his pigeon pair, Iwan & Rhian.
Quote "Newport born, Newport bred, became a poet after a bang on the head."
Poems:
War of the Worlds (A Voice that Turned the Tide)
Richard Burton
Antony & Cleopatra
Quote "Newport born, Newport bred, became a poet after a bang on the head."
Poems:
War of the Worlds (A Voice that Turned the Tide)
Richard Burton
Antony & Cleopatra
Ingela Karlsson
I am working as an actress,writing and directing my plays,poems and songs.Running my theatre Teaterbägaren. Performed with my plays in New York, China, Balkan, Edinburgh Festival, Uruguay...
Received various awards for my play about Joan of Arc,a play about Elisabeth I Published Cantarei- a book with my poems. Belong to various writers companies in Stockholm. Studied in Uppsala University
Stockholm University. London- Actors'Institute. Founded Anglo- Scandinavian Theatre with Maj- Lis Andersen, .Andrew Biss. Performed British and Swedish plays in English The Stronger by August Strindberg, Greenwich Theatre. Motherly love by August Strindberg Edinburgh Festival. Breathe in the coffin by/with Ingela Karlsson with the celloplayer/composer David Johnstone in London, Poland and in Sweden. Happy days by Samuel Beckett. Performed a monologue about Emily Dickinson by Helen Kempf
Midsummernight's dream by William Shakespeare directed/choreographed by Gillian Winn with children in Ljungby/Sweden
Directed a musical Alm Rock Story by Sölve Rydell in Ljungby. Performing in music festival with own songs in Taiwan with opera singer Steven Svanholm (from Wales). Singing in a mono-opera about Anne Frank by Grigori Frid in Stockholm, directed by Alexander Nordström. Peace in the world is and has been my driving-force both privately and professionally- leading me to perform my play about Joan of Arc in the NGO- conference in Beijing and peace festival in Romania during the war on Balkan
Working for the organisation Artists for peace in Stockholm. I knew already when I was 4-5 years old that I should work with theatre and 12 years old I knew how- being free to follow my vision from idea to production having the world as my working place.
Curiosity to understand and help people from different back-ground, cultures, history has driven me to set up plays with prisoners, refugees. Having my fifth exhibition in Stockholm in April 2025. Larry's Corner with my paintings and poems. Writing a new play in collaboration with actress Silvia Vivo from Madrid
Quote: 'I am honoured to be a part of this great project where I thank the true actor Richard Burton for being a voice for Dylan Thomas' divine poetry in the kingdom of songs,poetry and fairy-tales- Wales'.
Poem :
The true actor- Richard Burton
I am working as an actress,writing and directing my plays,poems and songs.Running my theatre Teaterbägaren. Performed with my plays in New York, China, Balkan, Edinburgh Festival, Uruguay...
Received various awards for my play about Joan of Arc,a play about Elisabeth I Published Cantarei- a book with my poems. Belong to various writers companies in Stockholm. Studied in Uppsala University
Stockholm University. London- Actors'Institute. Founded Anglo- Scandinavian Theatre with Maj- Lis Andersen, .Andrew Biss. Performed British and Swedish plays in English The Stronger by August Strindberg, Greenwich Theatre. Motherly love by August Strindberg Edinburgh Festival. Breathe in the coffin by/with Ingela Karlsson with the celloplayer/composer David Johnstone in London, Poland and in Sweden. Happy days by Samuel Beckett. Performed a monologue about Emily Dickinson by Helen Kempf
Midsummernight's dream by William Shakespeare directed/choreographed by Gillian Winn with children in Ljungby/Sweden
Directed a musical Alm Rock Story by Sölve Rydell in Ljungby. Performing in music festival with own songs in Taiwan with opera singer Steven Svanholm (from Wales). Singing in a mono-opera about Anne Frank by Grigori Frid in Stockholm, directed by Alexander Nordström. Peace in the world is and has been my driving-force both privately and professionally- leading me to perform my play about Joan of Arc in the NGO- conference in Beijing and peace festival in Romania during the war on Balkan
Working for the organisation Artists for peace in Stockholm. I knew already when I was 4-5 years old that I should work with theatre and 12 years old I knew how- being free to follow my vision from idea to production having the world as my working place.
Curiosity to understand and help people from different back-ground, cultures, history has driven me to set up plays with prisoners, refugees. Having my fifth exhibition in Stockholm in April 2025. Larry's Corner with my paintings and poems. Writing a new play in collaboration with actress Silvia Vivo from Madrid
Quote: 'I am honoured to be a part of this great project where I thank the true actor Richard Burton for being a voice for Dylan Thomas' divine poetry in the kingdom of songs,poetry and fairy-tales- Wales'.
Poem :
The true actor- Richard Burton
Mark Lyndon, a retired teacher from Swansea, has been a performance poet/ singer at myriad venues all over South Wales and London for an aeon. Mark has a penchant for Gower's seascapes in particular, and also revels in writing observational poetry about offbeat characters who cross his path. For more than a decade, he has been running 'Market Malarkey,' which is a monthly, open-mic event at The Uplands Market in Swansea. Mark also organises 'A Turn for the Verse,' a band of writers that travels to perform at beautiful locations within Wales. He has hosted at Talisman Poetry in Swansea, as well as at Brown's in Laugharne, and has been guest poet on several occasions too.
Being an archetypal Welshman, Mark has also penned poesy in Welsh and is a keen chorister with highly-acclaimed Dunvant Male Choir. Books published: Once More Unto the Beach, Dear Friends, Once More.. A Bard's Eye View. He has had one hundred poems published in The Evening Post. In addition, his compositions have appeared in numerous magazines as well as in Poetry into Light. Mark's writing also shows up in the following anthologies: Ten Swansea Writers ( Talisman). In the Midst..a Covid Anthology..( 2020) The River Widens Anthology.. ( Merrimac Massachusetts).
Quote : 'An iconic character, charismatic Burton was a magnetic star of the screen who left an indelible mark on our whirled world'
Poem :
Fringe Theatre
Face the Music
Bard Language
Orchestral Oyster Shell
Being an archetypal Welshman, Mark has also penned poesy in Welsh and is a keen chorister with highly-acclaimed Dunvant Male Choir. Books published: Once More Unto the Beach, Dear Friends, Once More.. A Bard's Eye View. He has had one hundred poems published in The Evening Post. In addition, his compositions have appeared in numerous magazines as well as in Poetry into Light. Mark's writing also shows up in the following anthologies: Ten Swansea Writers ( Talisman). In the Midst..a Covid Anthology..( 2020) The River Widens Anthology.. ( Merrimac Massachusetts).
Quote : 'An iconic character, charismatic Burton was a magnetic star of the screen who left an indelible mark on our whirled world'
Poem :
Fringe Theatre
Face the Music
Bard Language
Orchestral Oyster Shell
Catrin Mari is a Welsh-speaking poet and social researcher based in Cardiff. She has also
lived in Belfast. She started her career in the heritage sector, telling people not to touch
paintings at the national museum in Cardiff, and later designing and delivering workshops,
tours,and other learning resources.
She was working at the museum during an exhibition about Richard Burton, which inspired
her to take part in this project. She always loved creative writing at school, but started writing regularly during the covid-19 pandemic. Her poetry deals with themes of sense of place, shifting identities, connections between art and science: and underrepresented social histories. She has published work in journals, magazines and anthologies which mostly relate to Wales and Ireland, including The Storms, These Pages Sing, Afonydd- Welsh Rivers (Arachne Press), and ‘We not Me’
anthology of radical Welsh poetry (Culture Matters). She has worked on a project exploring how poetry can help with climate anxiety, and she regularly takes part in Cerddi yn Cwrw: a fortnightly international poetry night run from a pub in Carmarthen but attended online by people from all over the world. She runs online poetry workshops about traditions and folk culture; and she can be found on Instagram @catrinmari.poetry .
Quote: 'I really enjoyed layering ideas about Richard as a boy and man in my poem'.
Poem :
‘Richard Burton as a schoolboy, playing Hamlet’.
lived in Belfast. She started her career in the heritage sector, telling people not to touch
paintings at the national museum in Cardiff, and later designing and delivering workshops,
tours,and other learning resources.
She was working at the museum during an exhibition about Richard Burton, which inspired
her to take part in this project. She always loved creative writing at school, but started writing regularly during the covid-19 pandemic. Her poetry deals with themes of sense of place, shifting identities, connections between art and science: and underrepresented social histories. She has published work in journals, magazines and anthologies which mostly relate to Wales and Ireland, including The Storms, These Pages Sing, Afonydd- Welsh Rivers (Arachne Press), and ‘We not Me’
anthology of radical Welsh poetry (Culture Matters). She has worked on a project exploring how poetry can help with climate anxiety, and she regularly takes part in Cerddi yn Cwrw: a fortnightly international poetry night run from a pub in Carmarthen but attended online by people from all over the world. She runs online poetry workshops about traditions and folk culture; and she can be found on Instagram @catrinmari.poetry .
Quote: 'I really enjoyed layering ideas about Richard as a boy and man in my poem'.
Poem :
‘Richard Burton as a schoolboy, playing Hamlet’.
Kelvin Smith: I have been writing poetry since I attended Llantarnam Sec. School in the mid sixties as a twelve year old. I was very fortunate to have such an engaging English literature teacher in Mrs Sheen, she took me under her wing, where as a lot of the other teachers didn’t take to my constant class clown antics. It was Mrs Sheen that started me off on my life long love of poetry. When I joined the RAF in 1975 as a twenty year old, I soon teamed up with three other lads and formed a band, writing all of our own songs, and it was my poetry that formed all of the lyrics. In recent years I have worked with my youngest son, Tommy Smith, who’s a stand up comedian, and once again incorporated a lot of my poetry into the act. I have had twelve books published all together, including three children’s books, and one of my song lyrics, all published by small Indie publishers. I usually do a book launch and signing but have only sold to family and friends, mainly because of the lack of advertising, and with little idea myself. Profits have always gone to local charities. My poetry usually consists of all types of subjects, with a mixture of fact and fiction on thought-provoking themes, such as, love and romance, religion, life and death,( which is sometimes deep and bizarre) compiled with umpteen memories of my past, along with a lot of dry wit, nonsense verse and some mild adult humour. I always hope my poetry will bring my readers, laughter and tears, with warmth and sentiment as they just might recognise things they may have said, heard or even done themselves hidden amongst the verse.
Quote: 'Being a proud Welsh seventy year old poet, I relished the challenge and opportunity of getting my poem included into the project of ‘Centenary : Poems for Rich'.
Poem :
'Those black and white days of old'
Quote: 'Being a proud Welsh seventy year old poet, I relished the challenge and opportunity of getting my poem included into the project of ‘Centenary : Poems for Rich'.
Poem :
'Those black and white days of old'
Nivedita Karthik is a graduate in Immunology from the University of Oxford. She is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer and published poet. She also loves writing stories. Her poetry has appeared in Glomag, The Ekphrastic Review, The Society of Classical Poets, The Epoch Times, The Poet anthologies, Visual Verse, The Bamboo Hut, Eskimopie, The Sequoyah Cherokee River Journal, and Trouvaille Review, to name a few. Her micro-fiction has been published by The Potato Soup Literary Journal. She regularly contributes to the open mics organized by Rattle Poetry. She currently resides in Gurgaon, India, and works as a senior associate editor. She has two published books, She: The reality of womanhood and The many moods of Water. Her profile, focusing on how she uses poetry to create change, was published as part of the Women's Day Special Issue of Lifestyle Magazine.
Quote: 'Being part of this anthology honoring Richard Burton’s centenary is a privilege, as poetry and performance share the same heartbeat—both giving voice to the depth and drama of the human experience'.
Poem :
The man beyond the stardom
Quote: 'Being part of this anthology honoring Richard Burton’s centenary is a privilege, as poetry and performance share the same heartbeat—both giving voice to the depth and drama of the human experience'.
Poem :
The man beyond the stardom
Angela Davies, born and raised in South Wales, and resides in the heart of the valleys. A
dedicated school teaching assistant, she works with children facing learning difficulties, which
informs her approach to life and poetry. Her work draws deeply from her upbringing and the rich, tight-knit communities of the Welsh valleys, capturing the essence of local culture, tradition, and the emotions of growing up in such a working class environment. Angela's poetry reflects the resilience, beauty, and challenges of life in the valleys, offering a poignant lens on the everyday experiences and the strong sense of identity that influence those who live there. Her writing resonates with authenticity, adding a unique voice to contemporary Welsh poetry. Angela seeks to preserve the spirit of the valleys, inviting readers into a world where culture and community are inseparable.
Quote: ‘I am delighted to be part of an international initiative honouring one of the great Hollywood actors who I grew to admire from childhood, celebrating his life and bringing the Welsh culture to the forefront of worldwide audiences.’
Poems :
Fields and Stages
Plays and Avenues
dedicated school teaching assistant, she works with children facing learning difficulties, which
informs her approach to life and poetry. Her work draws deeply from her upbringing and the rich, tight-knit communities of the Welsh valleys, capturing the essence of local culture, tradition, and the emotions of growing up in such a working class environment. Angela's poetry reflects the resilience, beauty, and challenges of life in the valleys, offering a poignant lens on the everyday experiences and the strong sense of identity that influence those who live there. Her writing resonates with authenticity, adding a unique voice to contemporary Welsh poetry. Angela seeks to preserve the spirit of the valleys, inviting readers into a world where culture and community are inseparable.
Quote: ‘I am delighted to be part of an international initiative honouring one of the great Hollywood actors who I grew to admire from childhood, celebrating his life and bringing the Welsh culture to the forefront of worldwide audiences.’
Poems :
Fields and Stages
Plays and Avenues
Jocelyn Prosser
I was born in Canada in 1964.My mother Mair Llewellyn was Welsh and from Port talbot . She studied art in Toronto .My was father was French and was a General in the French Foreign Legion . We lived in Toronto for a few years but due to their marriage breakup my mother and I returned to Port talbot .
My mother was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and a progressive heart condition and she passed away when I was eleven. I then went to live with my grandparents .My grandfather was a retired miner. My grandmother was the back bone of the family. She was full cwtch and love . One of my earliest memories is being comforted and rocked in a Welsh wool blanket as she sang Calon lan.
My first job was at the Unemployment benefit office in Newbridge road port talbot .I met my husband to be Darran Prosser who was working in British steel. Our first child Amy was born with a rare genetic life limiting condition .We also have a son called Ricky. Darran was involved in a tragic industrial accident in British steel in 1987 which resulted in life changing injuries and sadly two men killed alongside him. I sit on the Carers Wales advisory board Cardiff an I am passionate about the rights of Carers .I am a mixed media artist and have also written a book about the subject of intuition.
Quote: 'The project has reminded me of the beauty of words sewn together by a community with one voice'.
Poems :
Homeward bound
Mountains
I was born in Canada in 1964.My mother Mair Llewellyn was Welsh and from Port talbot . She studied art in Toronto .My was father was French and was a General in the French Foreign Legion . We lived in Toronto for a few years but due to their marriage breakup my mother and I returned to Port talbot .
My mother was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and a progressive heart condition and she passed away when I was eleven. I then went to live with my grandparents .My grandfather was a retired miner. My grandmother was the back bone of the family. She was full cwtch and love . One of my earliest memories is being comforted and rocked in a Welsh wool blanket as she sang Calon lan.
My first job was at the Unemployment benefit office in Newbridge road port talbot .I met my husband to be Darran Prosser who was working in British steel. Our first child Amy was born with a rare genetic life limiting condition .We also have a son called Ricky. Darran was involved in a tragic industrial accident in British steel in 1987 which resulted in life changing injuries and sadly two men killed alongside him. I sit on the Carers Wales advisory board Cardiff an I am passionate about the rights of Carers .I am a mixed media artist and have also written a book about the subject of intuition.
Quote: 'The project has reminded me of the beauty of words sewn together by a community with one voice'.
Poems :
Homeward bound
Mountains
Laura Grevel
Originally from the USA, Laura Grevel has lived in Europe for 24 years. Laura is a performance poet, fiction writer and blogger. Her writings are eclectic, tackling social justice, human rights, narratives and nature, and reflect her experience of raising a family while immigrating between five countries with five different languages. She writes, translates and performs in English and German, and has been a runner up in poetry slams in England and Austria. Her work has been published widely, in the USA, Mexico, Columbia, Canada, England, Scotland, Austria, Nigeria, India, and Bangladesh. Her poems have been translated into German, Greek, Spanish, French, and Bangla. In 2022, she published a collaborative pamphlet called Crone Chronicles with two UK poets, Sue Allen and Clare Stewart. Laura is currently putting together her own debut collection on the theme of immigration/migration. Her work has recently appeared in Steel Jackdaw, Mayari Literature, Carnyx Collective Anthology Volume I, Poetry Salzburg Review, Atunis Galaxy Poetry, Poetry Diary 2025 by Sunday Mornings at the River, MasticadoresCanada, Poetry X Hunger, and morphrog30. Two of her poems will soon be published in a Poetry Peace and Policy anthology through Middlebury College, Monterey, California. In March she was shortlisted for the 2025 Bournemouth Writing Prize for Poetry. Laura loves the international poetry community; she often reads and features online at open mics and events. Please view her poetry performances on her YouTube channel, including a collaborative video called “Girl Walking Across Europe” by Poets for Refugees, created as an act of welcome.
Quote: “Wow, I never thought one of my poems would be part of a collection on Richard Burton!”
Poem:
“Cleopatra at the Drive-in Movie Waves at Me”
Originally from the USA, Laura Grevel has lived in Europe for 24 years. Laura is a performance poet, fiction writer and blogger. Her writings are eclectic, tackling social justice, human rights, narratives and nature, and reflect her experience of raising a family while immigrating between five countries with five different languages. She writes, translates and performs in English and German, and has been a runner up in poetry slams in England and Austria. Her work has been published widely, in the USA, Mexico, Columbia, Canada, England, Scotland, Austria, Nigeria, India, and Bangladesh. Her poems have been translated into German, Greek, Spanish, French, and Bangla. In 2022, she published a collaborative pamphlet called Crone Chronicles with two UK poets, Sue Allen and Clare Stewart. Laura is currently putting together her own debut collection on the theme of immigration/migration. Her work has recently appeared in Steel Jackdaw, Mayari Literature, Carnyx Collective Anthology Volume I, Poetry Salzburg Review, Atunis Galaxy Poetry, Poetry Diary 2025 by Sunday Mornings at the River, MasticadoresCanada, Poetry X Hunger, and morphrog30. Two of her poems will soon be published in a Poetry Peace and Policy anthology through Middlebury College, Monterey, California. In March she was shortlisted for the 2025 Bournemouth Writing Prize for Poetry. Laura loves the international poetry community; she often reads and features online at open mics and events. Please view her poetry performances on her YouTube channel, including a collaborative video called “Girl Walking Across Europe” by Poets for Refugees, created as an act of welcome.
Quote: “Wow, I never thought one of my poems would be part of a collection on Richard Burton!”
Poem:
“Cleopatra at the Drive-in Movie Waves at Me”
Rhian Swyn Burgess is a Welsh writer, poet, and performer who believes in the
magic of well-chosen words and badly behaved punctuation. She also has a long-
standing habit of scribbling poems on the backs of receipts and pretending she
didn’t. Having spent years as part of the Welsh diaspora – including a stint living with
penguins – she is now proudly rooted in her homeland. Her work is shaped by voice,
place, and imagination, drawing on everything from whispered folklore to everyday
conversation. After years of quietly writing in the margins, her words have appeared everywhere but under her own name – through professional work, ghostwritten pieces, and
uncredited lines tucked into other people’s stories… even on a series of wine bottles,
once. Her return to Wales coincided with a midlife wobble of the creative kind and, with the
wonderful encouragement of the Swansea and District Writers’ Circle, she began
sharing her work with the wider world. Now serving as the group’s Secretary, Rhian is leaning into the joy and chaos of creative expression – with more notebooks than shelf space, more ideas than waking hours, and a steady determination to write under her own name, and with her whole heart. Her work is rooted in humour, hiraeth, and the power of Welsh storytelling. Her small poetic tribute to Richard Burton reflects on the legacy of a man whose voice carried
Wales out into the world. She’s a bit awkward about biographies, but she’s certain that words matter. Diolch am ddarllen. You can find her by the sea (and online): @rhiwritesbythesea
Quote: "It's entirely fitting to celebrate Richard Burton's legacy through poetry - art paying tribute to art, returning the gift he gave to us all, which was a voice that carried the Valleys out into the world."
Poem:
You Left (But Never Left)
magic of well-chosen words and badly behaved punctuation. She also has a long-
standing habit of scribbling poems on the backs of receipts and pretending she
didn’t. Having spent years as part of the Welsh diaspora – including a stint living with
penguins – she is now proudly rooted in her homeland. Her work is shaped by voice,
place, and imagination, drawing on everything from whispered folklore to everyday
conversation. After years of quietly writing in the margins, her words have appeared everywhere but under her own name – through professional work, ghostwritten pieces, and
uncredited lines tucked into other people’s stories… even on a series of wine bottles,
once. Her return to Wales coincided with a midlife wobble of the creative kind and, with the
wonderful encouragement of the Swansea and District Writers’ Circle, she began
sharing her work with the wider world. Now serving as the group’s Secretary, Rhian is leaning into the joy and chaos of creative expression – with more notebooks than shelf space, more ideas than waking hours, and a steady determination to write under her own name, and with her whole heart. Her work is rooted in humour, hiraeth, and the power of Welsh storytelling. Her small poetic tribute to Richard Burton reflects on the legacy of a man whose voice carried
Wales out into the world. She’s a bit awkward about biographies, but she’s certain that words matter. Diolch am ddarllen. You can find her by the sea (and online): @rhiwritesbythesea
Quote: "It's entirely fitting to celebrate Richard Burton's legacy through poetry - art paying tribute to art, returning the gift he gave to us all, which was a voice that carried the Valleys out into the world."
Poem:
You Left (But Never Left)
The Poetry Beast (aka Xavier Panadès I Blas) Xavier was raised in a peasant family and educated in the revolutionary values of solidarity, justice, and freedom in the Catalonian Lands. These early influences led to his involvement in social, political, and environmental movements from the mid-1980s onward.
Unsurprisingly, Xavier’s writing captivates readers entirely. His poems and stories are journeys of self-discovery, where the artist becomes almost invisible--a mere vessel or channeller for something greater.
He is the author of The Ear of Eternity (Francis Boutle, 2019), The Eye of Reality (Francis Boutle, 2019), and Blood Shavings (Ònix, 2024). His work appears regularly in international journals.
Xavier’s powerful readings—in Catalan, Castilian, and English—are often accompanied by audiovisual elements, combining his own texts with those of poets such as Blas de Otero, Federico García Lorca, and Josep Vicenç Foix i Mas. His intense performances resonate deeply, often leaving audiences visibly moved.
https://thepoetrybeast.bandcamp.com/
Quote : "Poetry is a mirage ..."
Poems:
From Coal Dust to Stardust
Richard's Mirages
Burton's Lament
La veu immortal (The Inmmortal Voice)
L’ànima encesa (The Blazing Soul)
Furia i verbo (Fury and verb)
La set inacabable (The Unquenchable Thirst)
La Sonrisa de Burton (Burton's Smile)
Unsurprisingly, Xavier’s writing captivates readers entirely. His poems and stories are journeys of self-discovery, where the artist becomes almost invisible--a mere vessel or channeller for something greater.
He is the author of The Ear of Eternity (Francis Boutle, 2019), The Eye of Reality (Francis Boutle, 2019), and Blood Shavings (Ònix, 2024). His work appears regularly in international journals.
Xavier’s powerful readings—in Catalan, Castilian, and English—are often accompanied by audiovisual elements, combining his own texts with those of poets such as Blas de Otero, Federico García Lorca, and Josep Vicenç Foix i Mas. His intense performances resonate deeply, often leaving audiences visibly moved.
https://thepoetrybeast.bandcamp.com/
Quote : "Poetry is a mirage ..."
Poems:
From Coal Dust to Stardust
Richard's Mirages
Burton's Lament
La veu immortal (The Inmmortal Voice)
L’ànima encesa (The Blazing Soul)
Furia i verbo (Fury and verb)
La set inacabable (The Unquenchable Thirst)
La Sonrisa de Burton (Burton's Smile)
Nicky Lloyd Born to Pembrokeshire Parents in 1959 Nicky has been writing poetry since 1971 when, at the age of 11 years young he first encountered, at Greenhill Comprehensive School in Tenby, his English and Drama teacher, Mr Roy Haggar, who would become, together with Nicky’s Father, John, the biggest influence on and inspiration upon his love of literature, poetry and the written and spoken word. Nicky writes from the heart and much of his poetry is about his beautiful home town of Tenby and the many, and equally, beautiful Tenby folk that he has known and loved through the years. Nicky has self-published two poetry collections whose titles are lifted from two songs by his favourite lyricist, Morrissey, of the eighties band The Smiths, entitled ‘There is a light that never goes out’ published in 2011 and ‘The strength to be gentle and kind’ published in 2013. Nicky has a vast collection of over 200 Poems for his next publication planned for later in 2025.
In July 2023, following a chance meeting with world famous composer Javier Rodriguez Nicky began collaborating with Javier and the project entitled “Unique Moments” culminated in a sell-out concert at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby where Nicky performed twenty poems to a music score, especially composed by Javier, for each of the ten poems in two sections, of the concert, called “Gone on ahead” and “A love letter to Tenby” Nicky has also worked with two local artists, Tom Sloan, and Alec Lewis, who have painted works to incorporate Nicky’s words. Nicky is a lifelong friend of Actor Josh Richards (Currently a regular in Emmerdale!) who toured the world with his ‘Playing Burton’ one man show and Josh has recorded, in his absolutely magnificent “Burtonesque” tones, many of Nicky’s poems.
Quote: “Richard Burton was, subliminally, through the influence and inspiration, in my formative years, of my English and Drama Teacher, Mr Roy Haggar, who looked and sounded like Burton, the reason for my love of the written and spoken word”
Poems:
‘Burton’
‘The Day I didn’t meet Richard Burton’
In July 2023, following a chance meeting with world famous composer Javier Rodriguez Nicky began collaborating with Javier and the project entitled “Unique Moments” culminated in a sell-out concert at St. Mary’s Church, Tenby where Nicky performed twenty poems to a music score, especially composed by Javier, for each of the ten poems in two sections, of the concert, called “Gone on ahead” and “A love letter to Tenby” Nicky has also worked with two local artists, Tom Sloan, and Alec Lewis, who have painted works to incorporate Nicky’s words. Nicky is a lifelong friend of Actor Josh Richards (Currently a regular in Emmerdale!) who toured the world with his ‘Playing Burton’ one man show and Josh has recorded, in his absolutely magnificent “Burtonesque” tones, many of Nicky’s poems.
Quote: “Richard Burton was, subliminally, through the influence and inspiration, in my formative years, of my English and Drama Teacher, Mr Roy Haggar, who looked and sounded like Burton, the reason for my love of the written and spoken word”
Poems:
‘Burton’
‘The Day I didn’t meet Richard Burton’