Playing Burton

Emmy Award-winner Matthew Rhys returns to the Welsh stage for the first time in 22 years in this acclaimed one-man play about international star Richard Burton. Written by Mark Jenkins, Playing Burton offers a penetrating look at the actor’s life, from his impoverished South Wales beginnings to his rise as one of the greatest performers of his generation. Charting his passionate love affair with Elizabeth Taylor and his very public struggle with alcoholism, the play is a soulful exploration of fame, ambition, and identity. This special performance by one of Wales’ most renowned actors offers a unique opportunity to support Welsh National Theatre’s inaugural season in 2026.