Michael Sheen to Play Owain Glyndŵr for New Welsh National Theatre

If you've ever watched an interview with Good Omens star Michael Sheen, you've heard the actor talk about his Welsh heritage. It's something he's incredibly proud of, and he's dedicated much of his personal time, energy, and wealth to promoting Wales and the cause of Welsh culture. From inspirational speeches to the Welsh football team to buying up £1 million of debt belonging to residents of his native Port Talbot and paying it all off, he's one of the few celebrities out there who's putting his money where his mouth is when it comes to supporting Welsh culture and storytelling. When National Theatre Wales announced it would shutter in 2024, Sheen funded the launch of a new Welsh National Theatre where he'll be Artistic Director, aiming to tell stories grounded in Welsh culture and history, including new work Owain & Henry.

Sheen only revealed the project publicly in January 2025; however, the theater has already set the show dates to kick off its inaugural season in 2026. Following tradition, the WNT will open with a revival of Our Town, which centers on life in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire, between 1901 and 1931. Thornton Wilder's classic is said to have been a favorite of poet Dylan Thomas and influenced his depiction of village life in Under Milk Wood. As is appropriate, the revival is being reimagined through a Welsh lens. The production will be directed by Francesca Goodridge (Nye), and Doctor Who's Russell T. Davies will serve as a creative associate. It's set to tour Wales for several weeks before closing out its run at London's Rose Theatre in Kingston Upon Thames.

“Our Town is a play about life, love, and community. That’s what matters to us in Wales; that’s what matters to me," Sheen, who will star as the lead role of the Stage Manager, said. "It’s a play that compels us to celebrate the every day, to hold the ones we cherish."