‘Buried’ Is a Passion Project for Michael Sheen
'Buried with Michael Sheen' is a two-part factual series based on the critically acclaimed podcast 'Buried: The Last Witness.'
Michael Sheen is a well-known performer whose critically acclaimed performances have included everything from real-life Prime Ministers (The Queen) to literary angels (Good Omens). But beyond acting, he’s also a dedicated activist on many issues, particularly those affecting his homeland of Wales. From wiping out £1 million of debt belonging to residents of his native Port Talbot to spearheading (and funding and performing in) the launch of the new Welsh National Theatre, it’s obvious he’s deeply connected to and invested in the place where he grew up.
Now, he’s bringing attention to a dangerous real-life issue: The dumping of what are known as “forever chemicals” in the land near local Welsh farms and communities. Buried with Michael Sheen is a two-part factual series based on the critically acclaimed podcast Buried: The Last Witness for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds, and it will follow Sheen as he digs into claims of chemical contamination in South Wales.
Along with investigative journalists Dan Ashby and Lucy Taylor, the actor meets with environmental experts, forensic scientists, and residents living near toxic dump sites to unpack how a secret of this magnitude could have remained hidden for so long. The documentary is a journey into alleged conspiracy and cover-ups, but also one of ordinary people speaking truth to power.
Here’s the series’ synopsis.
Buried with Michael Sheen is a gripping two-part unscripted series following Michael Sheen as he digs into claims of chemical contamination across his homeland of Wales, uncovering a scandal that threatens to leave a catastrophic legacy across the UK.
“This is a story that has troubled Wales for decades, and for me, it’s deeply personal,” Sheen said. “I first met Douglas Gowan nearly ten years ago, and his warnings about these chemicals stayed with me. In this series, we try to uncover the truth about what is beneath our feet, hear from the communities affected, and understand how something so insidious could stay buried for so long. It’s about seeking answers, but also about responsibility - what we do now matters for the future of these communities.”
The series is a BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales co-commission for BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer. A co-production between Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions, it is directed by Mags Gavan and produced by Jacci Perry. Ashby, Taylor, and Michael Fraser are executive producers.
Buried will premiere on Monday, August 17 on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer. It does not yet have an American distributor, but this is exactly the sort of thing we expect to show up on BBC Select, which is now part of BritBox Premier.
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