Mr Burton
From the industrial haze of 1940s Port Talbot to the hallowed boards of Stratford-Upon-Avon, director Marc Evans weaves a familiar “triumph-over-adversity” tale with glossy production values and plenty of heart. Yet it’s the emotional core – an unlikely friendship between teacher and pupil – that truly elevates this film above the rest.
At the centre of it all is Toby Jones as Philip Henry Burton, the kindly schoolmaster whose faith in his student sparks a creative metamorphosis. Jones is nothing short of a delight here – his warmth, wit and nuanced vulnerability infuse every scene. When he shares those rousing speeches about Shakespeare’s power or offers gentle guidance on voice and diction, you can’t help but be swept along. Quite simply, his performance is off the scale.
Opposite Jones, Harry Lawtey makes a striking debut as Richie Jenkins. He captures the young man’s raw vulnerability – an innocent miner’s son brimming with dreams – then deftly shifts into the confident swagger of a rising stage star. Lawtey’s transitions are seamless, his emotional stakes genuine, and you genuinely feel the weight of every triumph and setback alongside him.
Visually, the film contrasts the drab greys of the Welsh valleys (accentuated by subtle CGI backdrops) with the vivid expanses of green hills and windswept beaches where Richie rehearses his craft. The cinematography excels at these sweeping wide shots, underscoring the freedom that acting brings to a boy otherwise boxed in by circumstance. Complementing the imagery is a stirring score from John Hardy, performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, which lends the narrative a soaring, almost operatic quality.
More than a simple retelling of Burton’s rise, this film is a loving tribute to the power of mentorship and the belief that great talent often springs from the most unlikely places. With standout performances from Jones and Lawtey, a loyal nod to true events, and enough emotional heft to keep audiences invested, it’s a film that will resonate long after the credits roll. Currently showing at most cinemas, and will soon be available on some streaming services.
