Past Events – An Evening with Angela John, Swansea University

Behind the Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton by Angela V. John

In partnership with The Learned Society of Wales, Parthian Books, and Cover to Cover, Swansea University’s Literary Salon Series recently presented Behind the Scenes: Angela V. John in conversation with Professor Dai Smith.

Held at the Tabernacle on Newton Road in Mumbles, the event took place from 3–4pm and drew an enthusiastic audience for a fascinating discussion about Angela V. John’s latest biography, Behind the Scenes: The Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton.

Described by Lloyd Trott, Academy Dramaturg at RADA, as “a remarkable evocation of a life,” the book sheds light on Philip Burton (1904–1995), the father figure to Richard Burton and a key influence in his journey from Port Talbot to international fame. Philip Burton was a writer, teacher, playwright, actor, and BBC producer who played a pivotal role in shaping the career of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.

Angela V. John’s biography is the first comprehensive study of this influential figure. She brought Philip out from the sidelines and into the spotlight, revealing the full extent of his remarkable life and legacy—from his humble beginnings in the south Wales valleys to his transformative work in British and American theatre.

The event also highlighted the timely publication of the biography, coinciding with the release of Mr Burton, a new biopic featuring A-list actor Toby Jones in the lead role. Angela spoke about how Philip Burton’s story illustrates the transformative power of education and the profound impact that mentorship can have in nurturing talent and ambition.

Audience members learned about Philip’s contributions to early television scriptwriting, his influential move to the United States in the 1950s, and his role as the first director of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. Known as the “backstage brains of Broadway,” Philip travelled extensively across the U.S., performing Shakespearean lecture-recitals, and continued to inspire until his death in Florida in 1995.

Reflecting on her work, Angela shared: “Researching and writing the life of this inspirational individual whose passion for the theatre had a transformative impact on many young people in Britain and America has been both exciting and illuminating.”

The event offered an engaging and informative look into the life of a man whose behind-the-scenes influence shaped one of the 20th century’s most celebrated actors and whose story has long deserved a place in the limelight.