Michael Sheen Announces New National Theatre for Wales

2025-01-25

Michael Sheen, the acclaimed Welsh actor known for his roles in Frost/Nixon, The Queen, and Good Omens, has announced plans to establish a new national theatre for Wales. The initiative comes after the closure of National Theatre Wales (NTW) in December, which folded following a £1.6 million funding cut from Arts Council Wales. Sheen will serve as the artistic director of the newly formed Welsh National Theatre, aiming to tell “big stories on big stages for big audiences.”

The first production, scheduled for autumn 2026, will take place at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff and will feature Sheen himself. The actor has committed to self-funding the venture initially, with plans to seek both private and public investment. Sheen emphasised the importance of showcasing Welsh stories, written and performed by Welsh talent, to both local and international audiences.

Sheen’s decision to launch the theatre was influenced by the success of Nye, a play about NHS founder Aneurin Bevan, which he starred in and which drew large audiences in Wales. He described the experience as “revelatory,” highlighting the public’s appetite for stories that reflect their heritage and identity.

The new theatre aims to fill the void left by NTW, which had been a significant cultural institution since its founding in 2009. Sheen expressed his determination to create a “new dawn” for Welsh theatre, focusing on ambitious, large-scale productions that resonate with a broad audience. He also hopes to collaborate with other Welsh arts organisations, such as Welsh National Opera and Theatr Cymru, to strengthen the country’s cultural landscape.

Sheen’s vision for the Welsh National Theatre is rooted in his belief that Wales’s rich storytelling tradition has been underexplored, particularly in the English language. By prioritising Welsh narratives and talent, he aims to create a theatre that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, both at home and abroad.

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm, with many in the arts community welcoming Sheen’s commitment to revitalising Welsh theatre. As the project develops, further details about the inaugural production and the theatre’s long-term plans are expected to be revealed.

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