Harry Lawtey, the actor portraying a young Richard Burton in a new biographical film, has expressed how much of an honor and a privilege it was to take on such a highly revered role.
As the movie delves into Burton’s early years, growing up in the Afan Valley in Neath Port Talbot, Lawtey reflected on the significance of playing such an iconic Welsh figure.
During an interview with Lucy Owen on BBC Radio Wales, the 28-year-old actor admitted that the pressure of taking on the role of the “Welsh hero” was immense. “It was daunting, for sure,” Lawtey said, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility.
He continued, “Trust me, it’s certainly not lost on me, the gumption of some English lad turning up to play the quintessential Welsh hero, which he is.”
The film, which marks the centenary of Burton’s birth, focuses on his early life and upbringing in Wales. Lawtey, who is known for his role in the BBC drama Industry, shared that he became captivated by Richard Burton’s life after seeing a play about Burton’s relationship with renowned director Sir John Gielgud in 2023.
The play had such an impact on him that he became “briefly obsessed” with the Welsh actor. This newfound fascination was short-lived, though, as just three weeks later, Lawtey received the audition for the role of Burton in the film. “It’s probably one of my favourite plays I’ve ever seen,” Lawtey said, adding that the experience had a profound influence on his desire to bring Burton’s story to the screen.
To prepare for the role, Lawtey immersed himself in all things Burton. He watched Burton’s extensive filmography, read multiple biographies, and, most significantly, delved into Burton’s diaries. “I read all of his diaries, which were just amazing, to get detail, information, and kind of nuance about the guy,” Lawtey explained.
The actor knew that it was crucial to understand the depths of Burton’s life in order to authentically portray him. In addition to the emotional and intellectual research, Lawtey also faced the challenge of adapting his accent for the role.
Born in Oxford, he had to adopt a Welsh accent for the film, which would gradually shift to a more Anglicized received pronunciation (RP) as Burton’s character matured and left Wales.
The film’s portrayal of Burton starts with a strong Port Talbot accent, which evolves over time into the more refined, Anglicized RP accent that became associated with Burton’s later years.
Lawtey noted that it was essential for the film to show this transition accurately, as it reflected Burton’s own journey of self-transformation. “We start the film with this strong Port Talbot accent and some Welsh language too,” Lawtey said.
“And over the course of the film, he has to uncover this RP voice, which is quite well-spoken, proper, quite Anglified, really, that we’ve come to recognise in Richard, with those hints of Welshness in there as well.”
Part of this linguistic journey involved Lawtey learning some Welsh for the role, which he found both challenging and rewarding.
He confessed that he initially felt “embarrassed” when trying to master the Welsh lines, but the support from the Welsh-speaking writer, producer, and director helped him to overcome his discomfort. “Those are the ones that were giving me recordings that I could follow and try to hone as best as I could,” Lawtey explained.
He emphasized that portraying this aspect of Burton’s heritage was crucial to him, as it was deeply significant to the actor’s life and legacy.
“It really mattered to me, deeply, more than anything else, that aspect of the film felt as authentic and true and respected as possible, because it’s so significant in Richard’s story and his life.“
The film also highlights Burton’s relationship with key figures in his life, particularly his teacher, who helped him discover his talent for acting. This role is played by the esteemed, BAFTA-winning actor Toby Jones.
Lawtey described the experience of working alongside Jones in Burton’s home village of Pontrhydyfen as both poignant and surreal, as it mirrored the themes of mentorship that are central to the film.
“This film is a story of mentorship,” Lawtey reflected. “If you speak to any actor worth their salt, they’ll have had many people over their careers who’ve given them something of themselves and pushed them on their way.”
For Lawtey, Jones epitomized this idea of mentorship. He acknowledged how meaningful it was to have Jones, a seasoned actor with decades of experience, guiding him throughout the project. “Toby certainly represents that for me,” Lawtey said.
Their collaboration added another layer of authenticity to the film, as it echoed Burton’s own journey of being mentored by those who recognized his potential.
This experience was particularly impactful for Lawtey, who saw the parallels between Burton’s life and his own growth as an actor.
The film not only delves into Burton’s rise to fame but also paints a vivid portrait of his roots in the Welsh community.
Burton’s complex identity, as both a Welshman and an internationally recognized star, is explored in depth, capturing the tension between his heritage and the need to adapt to the English-speaking world of theatre and film.
Lawtey’s portrayal of this internal struggle is central to the film, as it mirrors Burton’s real-life challenges in balancing his Welsh identity with the demands of his career.
Lawtey’s ability to bring this nuance to the role further strengthens the film’s authenticity and emotional depth.
As the film continues to resonate with audiences, Lawtey’s performance as the young Richard Burton is already being praised for its depth and commitment.
His dedication to understanding the intricacies of Burton’s life and character shines through in every scene, capturing the essence of a man who, despite his immense talent and success, was constantly shaped by his roots in the working-class communities of Wales.
Lawtey’s portrayal of Burton offers a glimpse into the emotional and professional struggles that defined the actor’s early years, setting the stage for his rise to international stardom.
Ultimately, the film not only offers a biographical account of Richard Burton’s life but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
Through Lawtey’s meticulous portrayal, audiences are invited to witness the journey of a young man from Wales who would go on to become one of the most celebrated actors of his generation.
Lawtey’s commitment to bringing authenticity to the role, coupled with the powerful performances from the rest of the cast, ensures that Burton’s story is told with the respect and reverence it truly deserves.
