Michael Sheen’s company to debut first production in the city next January

SWANSEA has been named the official home of the newly founded Welsh National Theatre.

The company, established earlier this year by actor and director MICHAEL SHEEN, will be headquartered at Swansea’s Civic Centre overlooking Swansea Bay — a symbolic location, connecting Welsh storytelling to both its roots and the wider world.

The company’s first production, Our Town, will premiere at the Swansea Grand Theatre from January 16 to 31, 2026, before touring Wales and concluding its run at the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames. The production is directed by Swansea-born FRANCESCA GOODRIDGE, with fellow Swansea native RUSSELL T DAVIES serving as creative associate.

Sheen, who serves as artistic director, said: “My theatrical journey began in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to return and establish Welsh National Theatre here. Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration. This isn’t just about securing office space — it’s about building a cultural hub for artists, producers and writers to collaborate and create before the work even reaches the stage.”

He added: “In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first in the world to experience a Welsh National Theatre production live. The countdown is truly on.”

Welsh National Theatre’s founding chief executive SHARON GILBURD praised the city’s support: “There’s a real sense of partnership here. Swansea Council has shown a genuine commitment to fostering a thriving cultural scene — not just for today, but for future generations.”

Following Our Town, Sheen will take to the stage once more in November 2026 to play Owain Glyndŵr in Owain & Henry, a new work by playwright GARY OWEN, produced in collaboration with the Wales Millennium Centre.

The decision to base the company in Swansea was welcomed by Council Leader ROB STEWART, who described it as “a proud moment for the city”.

“Having Welsh National Theatre based in Swansea shows how far we’ve come as a creative city,” he said. “This bold move will help raise the profile of Welsh storytelling globally and strengthen Swansea’s role as a national and international hub for creative talent.”

He added: “This will bring real opportunities for local actors, musicians, artists, writers, and technicians to be part of something world-class — and to create new work that’s rooted in Wales. The impact will be transformative.”

The move follows several months of discussions between the company and Swansea Council.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, ELLIOTT KING, said the theatre’s decision reflects years of sustained investment in the local arts sector.

“Swansea is now home to everything from major venues like the Swansea Arena to community-led theatre projects like Grand Ambition,” he said. “Our creative industries are flourishing, and with Welsh National Theatre joining that ecosystem, Swansea is well-positioned to make a lasting mark on the international stage.”

PREPARE to be gripped by fear and suspense as The Turn of the Screw haunts the Torch Theatre this October. This fast-paced, psychological thriller, originally penned by Henry James in 1898, promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, leaving them questioning reality on their journey home during the spooky season.

The Torch Theatre Company, celebrated for its compelling home-grown productions, showcases exceptional local talent alongside some of Wales’ finest theatrical performers.

Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard expressed her excitement about the upcoming production: “I love a mystery, and this play is an absolute puzzle. Based on one of literature’s most iconic ghost stories, The Turn of the Screw has inspired numerous adaptations, from theatre and opera to TV series and films. Its haunting narrative captures the imagination and lingers long after the final curtain.

“This adaptation is particularly exciting as it allows two outstanding actors to deliver truly captivating performances. We’ll be revealing our talented cast very soon, so stay tuned. Autumn is the perfect time for ghost stories, and this play offers chills aplenty.”

Fans of previous Torch Theatre thrillers like Kill Thy Neighbour (2024), as well as acclaimed productions like The Woman in Black and 2:22 A Ghost Story, will feel right at home experiencing this gothic, nerve-wracking drama. Viewers may also recognise the eerie storyline from the Netflix hit The Haunting of Bly Manor and countless cinematic adaptations.

Filled with suspense, mystery, and spine-tingling unease, this show might leave audiences hesitant to switch off their lights at home—because who really knows if ghosts exist, or if they’re merely figments of our imagination?

The Torch Theatre is also introducing an exciting new pricing strategy for this production, offering a limited number of seats at each performance for just £18. These tickets are expected to sell fast, so early booking is highly recommended.

Chelsey added: “If you love a good mystery filled with thrills and chills, you won’t want to miss this. As always, expect brilliant acting and enchanting theatrical magic. Our set design alone is set to be truly breathtaking.”

The Turn of the Screw will be staged at the Torch Theatre from Wednesday, 8 October, to Saturday, 25 October. Tickets range from £18 to £28. Book online at torchtheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.

THE TORCH THEATRE in Milford Haven has received a major upgrade to its audience experience thanks to support from South Hook LNG Terminal.

A brand-new projection screen and sound desk have been installed in the theatre’s Main House auditorium, funded by South Hook as part of its continuing commitment to support local charities and community organisations.

“We are proud to support such a valuable asset for our community,” said Hamad Al Samra, General Manager at South Hook. “The Torch Theatre provides a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities for people across Pembrokeshire.”

The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation with charitable status, remains at the heart of Pembrokeshire’s cultural scene—hosting a diverse programme of live performances, cinema, and community events.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support South Hook has given the Torch over a number of years. This generous funding has allowed us to update key equipment in our Main House auditorium that is used daily for both live performances and cinema screenings.

“The new sound desk and projection screen will allow us to continue welcoming audiences and community groups to enjoy everything the Torch has to offer. Diolch yn fawr.”

This latest investment is part of a wider programme of improvements at the venue aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and high-quality entertainment for the region.

COVER PHOTO:

Sound desk upgrade: Hamad Al Samra with Chris Harries (Finance Manager), Chelsey Gillard, and Andrew Sturley (Senior Manager – Technical/Production).