Emmy Award-winning actor Matthew Rhys will return to the Welsh stage for the first time in 22 years this November, starring in Playing Burton, an acclaimed one-man play about legendary Hollywood star Richard Burton.
The production, written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, will be performed at Swansea Grand Theatre on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 November.
Playing Burton offers a powerful and intimate portrait of Richard Burton’s life, tracing his journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in the South Wales Valleys to international stardom. The play explores his extraordinary career, his passionate and stormy relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, his very public battle with alcoholism, and the struggle to balance ambition, identity and fame.
Rhys, who has long cited Burton as a major influence, said: “The reason I wanted to act was because of Richard Burton. Since first seeing his incredible performance in Look Back in Anger to still listening to his audio of Hamlet and Under Milk Wood. He blazed the trail for us all and showed us it was possible.”
Presented during the Richard Burton centenary year, this production marks a fitting tribute to one of Wales’ greatest cultural icons. It is also a fundraising event in support of Welsh National Theatre, ahead of the company’s inaugural season in 2026.
Event details
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Dates: Sunday 24 & Monday 25 November
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Time: 7pm
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Duration: 90 minutes
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Age recommendation: 14+
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Price: £15 – £39.50
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Venue: Swansea Grand Theatre
Tickets are available now at: swanseagrand.co.uk/PlayingBurton
