The Welsh National Theatre (WNT) has just unveiled its debut season for productions across the country. The company had been established three months earlier by actor Michael Sheen.
Sheen, as WNT’s artistic director, wants to create world class work in Wales and to tour it globally, bringing together Welsh talent to create ambitious theatre and tell Welsh stories.
Its first two productions will be a new interpretation of Pulitzer Prize-winning play Our Town and epic new play Owain & Henry. Both plays will feature Sheen.
Our Town, WNT’s inaugural play, will premiere at Swansea Grand Theatre from January 16-31 next year. Tickets will go on sale soon.
The venue already attracts more than 125,000 visitors a year and now Swansea Council says it’s set for even more success.
Elliott King, council cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said: “The Grand is already a fantastic venue with great shows; the decision by the WNT to come to Swansea first is another great boost for the city’s cultural scene.
“It’s brilliant for local audiences and the many creative people who help make our local culture so vibrant, innovative and diverse.
“I’m delighted the WNT has chosen the Grand for its premiere – it already has fantastic programming and support; this news brings even more confidence for the future.”
The WNT is working with a rich seam of Swansea talent on Our Town, including screenwriter and TV producer Russell T Davies and Swansea-born director Francesca Goodridge.
Goodridge’s directorial talent was spotted by Michael Sheen when he saw the production Sorter, staged at the theatre by Grand-based creative collective Grand Ambition.
The Grand’s current programme already features highly acclaimed shows, including Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke, TV’s Professor Alice Roberts and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Drifters.
There’s comedy from the likes of Julian Clary, music from The Bon Jovi Experience and many others, and children’s entertainment such as Bing’s Birthday.
Coming soon is another piece of new playwriting with a strong Swansea flavour, Hot Chicks, delivered by Grand Ambition in conjunction with Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre
Swansea Grand Theatre opened in 1897 and quickly established itself as a venue for the best touring companies and star names. Its fortunes dipped until the late 1960s when the former Swansea Corporation came to the rescue.
Swansea Council continues to own, manage and fund it.
