Welsh National Theatre, under the artistic direction of Michael Sheen, has unveiled its inaugural season of two major productions that spotlight Welsh stories and talent, with both set to feature the famous Welsh actor himself.​

The first production is a reimagining of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, ‘Our Town’. Directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge, this adaptation relocates the setting to a Welsh community. Sheen will portray the Stage Manager, with Russell T Davies serving as creative associate and Pádraig Cusack as executive producer. The production is scheduled to tour across Wales and London in the coming year. 

The second production, ‘Owain and Henry’, is a new play by Gary Owen that delves into the 15th-century rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr against the English crown. Sheen will star as Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, portraying his confrontation with King Henry IV in a struggle for Welsh independence. This production is slated to open at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in November next year. ​

These announcements coincide with the Arts Council of Wales confirming transition funding to support the development of the new theatre’s structures and vision. Sheen expressed that this funding is a significant step for Welsh National Theatre, emphasizing the importance of bringing together Welsh talent to create ambitious productions that bring the country’s stories to life. 

The establishment of Welsh National Theatre follows the closure of National Theatre Wales, which ceased operations after losing its core funding from the Arts Council of Wales. Sheen, who is self-financing the new company initially, aims to fill this cultural void by creating world-class theatre that resonates with both local and international audiences. ​

Through these productions, Welsh National Theatre seeks to ignite conversations about Welsh identity, history, and contemporary issues, contributing to the nation’s cultural landscape.​

Welsh National Theatre has also launched ‘Welsh Net’, an intitiative that will build a network of talent scouts around Wales, with the aim of identifying and developing young Welsh talent.