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Good Omens and Staged star Michael Sheen funds new Welsh theatre to support arts
The actor is "throwing everything" at his latest endeavour.
Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images
- David Craig
Published: Friday, 10 January 2025 at 12:17 pm
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Michael Sheen is behind an ambitious project to boost the arts in Wales, following the closure of National Theatre Wales late last year.
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The actor, best known for roles in Good Omens, The Twilight Saga and Staged, said he was "incredibly sad" to hear that the theatre company would be shutting down following a major funding cut from Arts Council Wales.
His response was to found Welsh National Theatre, a new endeavour that aims to "tell big stories on big stages for big audiences" while putting Welsh stories, writers and theatre makers "at the heart" of every production.
"I want it to be something that represents the rich culture that we are and always have been in this country," he told BBC News. "We want to please ourselves but thrill the world.
"I think if you put that on with ambition and audacity, with creativity and innovation, then people will respond to it."
Michael Sheen. Rachel Manns
The actor will be personally funding the Welsh National Theatre to begin with as well as serving as its artistic director, but explained that he is open to public and private funding as well as partnerships with other organisations, such as Theatr Cymru.
Sheen also said that he had been encouraged by the enormous success of his recent stage production Nye, dramatising the life of NHS founder Aneurin Bevan, which was penned by Welsh playwright Tim Price.
He also cited the recent success of Gavin & Stacey's return as evidence of an appetite for Welsh stories, crediting it with "reflecting our life" as well as depicting "something positive and hopeful", which proved irresistible for viewers all over the UK.
Sheen explained: "There's no reason why you can't do that through practical plays and some of the most wonderful pieces of literature. But it doesn't have to be just that.
"I think that's why I'm throwing everything at this. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work."
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Authors
David CraigSenior Drama Writer
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
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