Matthew Rhys to Play Richard Burton in Return to Welsh Stage

UK news now : Acclaimed actor Matthew Rhys is set to return to the Welsh stage for the first time in 22 years to play the iconic Richard Burton in a new one-man play. The production, titled “Playing Burton,” will tour Wales in November and raise funds for Michael Sheen’s Welsh National Theatre.

About the Play

“Playing Burton” offers a penetrating look at Richard Burton’s life, from his humble beginnings in South Wales to his rise as one of the greatest performers of his generation. The play explores his passionate love affair with Elizabeth Taylor and his public struggle with alcoholism, providing a soulful examination of fame, ambition, and identity.

Matthew Rhys on the Project

Rhys, who won an Emmy Award for his role in “The Americans,” expressed his admiration for Richard Burton, citing him as an inspiration for his own acting career. Rhys stated, “Michael Sheen has been putting all us Welsh actors to shame by setting up Welsh National Theatre so, when a space appeared in my schedule, I felt it was my time to step up!”

Tour Dates and Venues

The play will tour various venues across Wales, culminating in a special performance in Bethel Chapel Café in Pontrhydyfen, Richard Burton’s birthplace. This final performance will mark the end of the Richard Burton centenary celebrations.

Credits

• Written by: Mark Jenkins
• Directed by: Bartlett Sher
• Produced by: Maris Lyons

This production promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the life and legacy of Richard Burton through Matthew Rhys’s powerful performance