A year ago, the acclaimed actor Michael Sheen committed to establishing a new national theatre for Wales, backed by his personal funds. As he prepares to lead in its inaugural full-scale production, Sheen envisions the company becoming a prominent cultural institution within Wales, across the UK, and internationally.
When an opportune moment arose to initiate a new national theatre in Wales, Michael Sheen recognized himself as uniquely positioned to spearhead the endeavor.
“It’s not due to any inherent brilliance on my part,” he clarifies, “but rather because of the specific circumstances I found myself in.”
“I was capable of providing the initial financial impetus, covering preliminary expenses, leveraging my public profile to attract media attention, and facilitating connections with potential collaborators.”
Indeed, as one of Wales’s (and the UK’s) most esteemed actors, Sheen possesses the necessary recognition, persuasive abilities, and financial resources.
He has previously utilized his personal funds to support initiatives such as the Homeless World Cup, alleviate the debts of numerous individuals, and vocally advocate against cuts to Welsh cultural funding.
Therefore, following the closure of the National Theatre of Wales in late 2024 due to funding reductions from the Arts Council of Wales, Sheen conceived a plan for its successor. His vision centered on a company capable of “undertaking more ambitious and financially demanding projects, characterized by greater boldness” than its predecessor.
“Ultimately, I found myself advocating for a cause that I realized I was best positioned to champion. My argument was somewhat unconventional, running counter to prevailing trends,” he acknowledges.
“Many would reasonably question its feasibility, deeming it unattainable.
“However, I recognized that it could indeed be realized, but only through my direct involvement.”
Thus, in early 2025, Sheen announced the establishment of the Welsh National Theatre, assuming the role of founding artistic director.
One year later, the company’s inaugural major production is set to premiere this week, reflecting Sheen’s expansive aspirations with a cast of 19 and a creative team that includes the esteemed Russell T Davies of Doctor Who fame.
Notably, the debut production is not Welsh in origin. The chosen play is Thornton Wilder’s 1938 American classic, Our Town, which unfolds in the fictional setting of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire.
However, recognizing Our Town’s influence on Dylan Thomas’s Welsh masterpiece, Under Milk Wood, particularly its portrayal of small-town community life, Sheen and director Francesca Goodridge reimagined Grover’s Corners within a Welsh context.
“Fran and I both intuitively felt that it could resonate deeply with Welsh actors in a Welsh setting,” Sheen explains.
Goodridge adds: “As a fictional town, Grover’s Corners can represent any town.
“Thornton Wilder has crafted characters that are universally familiar, such as the milk delivery person and the mothers conversing over the garden fence. These elements create an immediate sense of recognition, making it a truly universal narrative.”
Despite its seemingly gentle depiction of small-town life, Sheen asserts that the play’s emotional impact is “akin to a profound awakening.”
“It connects you to the fundamental essence of existence and the preciousness of life itself.”
Originally written in the lead-up to World War Two and partially set before World War One, the play carries a palpable sense of foreboding, Sheen notes.
“Despite focusing on seemingly insignificant events in a small town, there’s an underlying sense of impending doom, a warning that life can vanish in an instant, urging us to cherish every moment.”
Our Town will premiere in Swansea, the company’s home city, before embarking on a tour of north Wales and concluding in south-west London at the Rose Theatre, which serves as both co-producer and co-funder.
Later in the year, Sheen will both star in and co-direct the company’s next production, Owain & Henry, portraying Owain Glyndwr, the last native Welsh Prince of Wales, who led a rebellion against Henry IV in 1400.
“It’s a foundational narrative for Welsh culture and identity, yet it has been largely unexplored in the arts,” the actor observes.
In the trailer, Sheen delivers a monologue in a measured tone, envisioning a brighter future for Wales, free from English rule.
The actor reflects: “There exists a parallel reality where Owain Glyndwr successfully established universities, a parliament, and the institutional framework for a Welsh state, leading Wales to develop along a distinctly different trajectory, perhaps more akin to Scotland or Ireland. This alternative path would undoubtedly differ from the actual course of Welsh history.
“Therefore, when considering the present-day challenges facing Wales, referencing the past becomes essential for understanding the present and charting a course for the future.”
These present-day challenges include cultural funding levels, which were identified a year ago as among the lowest in Europe (although the Welsh government has subsequently increased it).
The Welsh National Theatre is actively seeking funding from both public and private sources, and Sheen expresses hope that its productions will achieve sufficient commercial success to become self-sustaining.
Our Town has received partial funding from a recent solo tour by Matthew Rhys, another prominent Welsh actor. Is Sheen soliciting further support from Welsh luminaries?
“That decision rests with them. We are certainly not being reticent about our activities,” he responds.
“Matthew reached out to express his admiration for our endeavors and his desire to contribute in some capacity.
“However, I don’t want this to be perceived as charity. My aim is to cultivate an environment that is genuinely appealing to Welsh actors, encouraging their participation and involvement.”
Sheen, who has described himself as a “not-for-profit actor”, has pledged to personally invest in the company’s launch.
Quantifying his exact contribution is complex, he explains, but the financial burden has been less substantial than anticipated.
He has provided funding for specific aspects, such as commissioning scripts for future productions and covering initial operational expenses. For major undertakings like Our Town, his funds served as a guarantee in the absence of alternative funding sources.
“We needed to assure our partners that we could commit between £200,000 and £400,000 at this stage, prior to any revenue from ticket sales,” he elaborates.
“So I agreed to provide that guarantee, but it ultimately wasn’t necessary as the funding materialized.
“However, it makes a significant difference to have someone who can confidently say, ‘I can step in if necessary.’ And, of course, you must be prepared to fulfill that commitment.”
Sheen has leveraged his influence to secure sponsorship from BBC Studios and Doctor Who production company Bad Wolf for new talent initiatives, and creating opportunities for Welsh artists is integral to his vision.
When asked about his aspirations for the Welsh National Theatre, Sheen readily outlines a comprehensive list, including the establishment of “pathways for nurturing and providing opportunities for young talent.”
He envisions the company producing “bold and ambitious productions” of varying scales, cultivating an “international identity,” staging works that “resonate with Welsh audiences while also captivating non-Welsh audiences,” creating “a canon of Welsh works,” and fostering “strong connections with other companies” within Wales.
As his impassioned monologue reaches its crescendo, he emphasizes his desire to ensure “that it is the pinnacle,”
“That it represents the ultimate aspiration for Welsh actors, imbued with a sense of pride in their work, embodying and exploring the essence of Welsh identity.”
He pauses.
“That would be truly remarkable.”
It’s a bold ambition and a significant undertaking. But if anyone is capable of realizing it…
Our Town is being performed at Swansea Grand Theatre from January 16-31, followed by a tour to Llandudno, Mold and Kingston-upon-Thames.