The Cardiff‑born star, best known for his Emmy‑winning role in The Americans, will perform Playing Burton, a one‑man play about the life of Richard Burton, as part of the RB100 centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Port Talbot‑born actor’s birth.
The production, written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award‑winner Bartlett Sher, explores Burton’s rise from his South Wales roots to international stardom, his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and his struggles with alcoholism.
Swansea Grand Theatre dates
Rhys will take to the stage at Swansea Grand Theatre on 24 and 25 November, with both shows followed by a special Q&A alongside fellow Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who has spearheaded the creation of the new Welsh National Theatre.
Pontrhydyfen finale
The tour will culminate in a special performance at Bethel Chapel Café in Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, on 26 November — the village where Burton was born and raised. The event will close the centenary celebrations in the community that shaped him.
Local pride in Burton’s legacy
Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the centenary was a chance to celebrate Burton’s enduring influence:
“Richard Burton’s career spanned decades and instilled a life‑long love of performing arts within millions. He remained proud of his Port Talbot roots throughout it all, and we hope these performances encourage and inspire more people to engage with the arts in Wales.
It feels as though Burton is passing the torch to the Welsh National Theatre to continue representing Wales on the international stage.”
Supporting Welsh National Theatre
All proceeds from the tour will go towards supporting the Welsh National Theatre, founded by Michael Sheen to create new opportunities for Welsh talent.
Rhys said returning to Wales to play Burton was deeply personal:
“The reason I wanted to act was because of Richard Burton. He blazed the trail for us all and showed us it was possible.”
Tickets
Tickets for Playing Burton are on sale now via the Welsh National Theatre website: welshnationaltheatre.com/playing-burton.
