History will be made this November when the Welsh language will be heard for the first time ever on stage at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Romeo a Juliet – a new, bilingual production of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, produced by Theatr Cymru in association with Shakespeare’s Globe – will open at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff on 29 September 2025, and after a four-week tour of Wales will be performed at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, the Globe’s indoor theatre space, 5-8 Nov 2025.
It marks Theatr Cymru’s debut at the iconic London theatre.
Performed in both Welsh and English and directed by Steffan Donnelly, Romeo a Juliet will weave the original Shakespearean English with J. T. Jones’s acclaimed Welsh translation, bridging cultures and languages to create both a fresh perspective on the divided worlds of the Montagues and Capulets and a powerful exploration of modern Welsh identity, conflict and connection.
The cast will be led by Steffan Cennydd and Isabella Colby Browne in the title roles, supported by an ensemble of emerging and established Welsh performers.
Director Steffan Donnelly – Theatr Cymru’s Artistic Director and an Associate Artist at Shakespeare’s Globe – says: “This is a significant milestone for the Welsh language, for Theatr Cymru, for the Globe and for the growing popularity and creativity of bilingual theatre-making. Most of the world’s population speak more than one language, and the complexities of a dual identity are a perfect frame for Shakespeare’s classic play about two families in conflict. We are extremely proud and excited to share this production with audiences on both sides of the border.”
Bilingual open captions will be available throughout the Welsh tour, as well as a BSL performance with interpreter Cathryn McShane at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre on 1
October 2025 and Welsh-language Audio Described performances with Eilir Gwyn at all performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff. Closed captions will be available at all performances in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse via Theatr Cymru’s language access app, Sibrwd.
