Michael Sheen is stepping up to fund a new theatre company after the closure of National Theatre Wales, aiming to revive Welsh drama.
Newport: So, Michael Sheen is really doing something cool! He’s funding a new theatre company to take over after National Theatre Wales shut down. It’s a big deal since they lost a ton of funding.
Last month, National Theatre Wales announced it was done after losing £1.6 million from Arts Council Wales. That’s a huge hit! But Sheen, who’s from Newport, was inspired by his play “Nye,” where he played the NHS founder. He’s stepping in to fill that gap.
He’s going to be the artistic director of the new Welsh National Theatre. The goal? To tell big stories on big stages for big audiences. Sounds exciting, right?
During a chat on BBC Radio 4, he mentioned how much people loved the “Nye” play. It really showed him that there’s a strong desire for theatre in Wales, especially after the National Theatre Wales closure.
Sheen is looking for both private and public funding for the new theatre, but he’s ready to cover the costs himself for now. He believes that if he puts his own money into it, others will want to join in too.
He’s not waiting around for approvals; he’s taking action. Sheen wants this theatre to represent the people of Wales and bring in talent from all over. The first show is set for autumn 2026, and he’ll even star in it!
He’s all about creating plays that resonate with people’s lives and experiences. It’s about hope and connection, and he’s determined to make it happen. Sheen sees this as the start of something new and exciting for Welsh theatre.
