Welsh National Theatre: Michael Sheen Launches a Bold New Vision for Welsh Theatre

Welsh actor Michael Sheen has announced plans to launch the Welsh National Theatre, a new theatre company set to fill the void left by the closure of National Theatre Wales. Sheen, known for his roles on stage and screen, revealed that he would take on the role of artistic director, with the aim of telling “big stories on big stages for big audiences.” His announcement follows the dissolution of National Theatre Wales last month, after the organisation suffered a £1.6 million funding cut from Arts Council Wales.

Sheen’s ambitious vision for the Welsh National Theatre puts Welsh theatre makers, actors, and stories at its core. “I want it to represent the rich culture we have in this country,” he stated, emphasising that the company aims to celebrate Welsh identity and creativity while captivating global audiences. The first production, set to star Sheen, is expected to debut in autumn 2026, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

The company will initially be self-financed by Sheen to ensure it can stand “on its own two feet,” but it is also seeking private and public funding. “If we don’t find a way to reimagine the way forward, it may be a long time—if ever—that we have the opportunity to establish a national theatre in Wales again,” he remarked.

Sheen expressed hope that the Welsh National Theatre would bring theatre to new audiences, drawing inspiration from the success of productions like Nye, in which he portrayed NHS founder Aneurin Bevan. The production, written by Welsh playwright Tim Price, was co-produced by the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre and demonstrated the power of storytelling rooted in Welsh history and culture.

The actor also reflected on his role in The Passion (2011), one of National Theatre Wales’s most iconic productions. He credits the experience with shaping his vision for accessible theatre that resonates with both traditional and non-traditional audiences. Sheen further highlighted Gavin and Stacey as an example of Welsh stories that captivate large audiences by reflecting everyday life while offering hope and positivity.

The timing of Sheen’s announcement coincides with the release of a Senedd Sports and Culture Committee report, which revealed that Wales ranks near the bottom in Europe for public spending on culture. Meanwhile, the Welsh government has increased the cultural sector’s funding in its draft budget for 2025-2026 and, together with Arts Council Wales, provided a £3.6 million jobs fund to support the sector.

In a show of collaboration, Sheen revealed that Welsh National Theatre has already begun discussions with other organisations, including Theatr Cymru, to explore joint projects. “Welsh writers and theatre makers need to lead the way,” he said, adding that the company’s work would be rooted in ambition, audacity, and innovation.

The Welsh National Theatre represents an exciting new chapter for Wales’ cultural sector, and its potential to shape the country’s creative landscape is vast.

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