Poem in October

That this hearbreaking drama about death and decay forms part of A Play, a Pie and a Pint is slyly appropriate, given that excessive alliteration is the source of so much irritation to its protagonist.

Walt, a former maths teacher and lover of literature, is baffled to find himself haunted by the ghost of Dylan Thomas despite the fact that he is no great fan of the whisky-loving Welshman's poetry. He can quote lines addressed to Captain Cat in Under Milk Wood, but has little time for the rest – until, that is, he finds himself comforted by his unseen companion's lilting verses evoking nature's cycle.

Like David Greig's Kyoto, which launched this collaborative season with the Traverse Theatre, Poem In October feels like a radio play. Robert Forrest's piece, performed by Finlay Welsh and dedicated to the memory of its writer, is far superior. There is little to see, but much to be gained from sitting in the dark listening to Welsh's perfectly nuanced storytelling.

The poignant subject matter is undercut with humour – a single phrase about 'talking books' provokes a shudder of conflicting emotions – and Walt's wisdom and intelligence are revealed along with his own modesty. Here's hoping the play itself will be released as an audio recording, as it deserves repeated listens and a life beyond this production.

Reviewed in March 2009 as part of A Play, A Pie and A Pint.