Dylan Thomas drama set for BBC2

BBC2 and BBC1 Wales have commissioned a new drama focusing on the last days of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas in New York.

A Poet in New York will explore how Thomas, the creator of some of the most memorable lines in the English language, died in a smog-ridden Big Apple in November 1953 aged 39.

Thomas was on his way to Hollywood to work on an opera with Stravinsky but had to take part in a production at the Poetry Centre in Manhattan to fund the trip. His fourth visit to the city tragically turned out to be his last.

The one-off is being produced by Griff Rhys Jones’ prodco Modern TV, directed by Aisling Walsh and written by Andrew Davies, who told C21 of the project last year.

BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow commissioned the programme along with Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC Drama and commissioning; Adrian Davies, head of programmes Wales; and Faith Penhale, head of drama BBC Cymru Wales.

Comedian and broadcaster Rhys Jones will executive produce for Modern TV. Bethan Jones executive produces for BBC Cymru Wales.

Casting will be announced later with filming starting in South Wales this summer before a premiere in 2014.