Welsh National Theatre to Stage Owain and Henry with Michael Sheen
Michael Sheen will lead a new play by Gary Owen, exploring the legendary 15th-century rebellion against the English crown by the outlaw Owain Glyndŵr. The play, titled Owain and Henry, will see Sheen take on the role of Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, who challenges King Henry IV in a battle that could bring freedom to Wales and mark the end of English rule.
A Landmark Production for Welsh National Theatre
This production is part of Welsh National Theatre’s first season, a significant milestone for the newly established theatre company. Sheen, who founded the Welsh National Theatre earlier this year, serves as its artistic director. His vision is to create world-class theatre that showcases Welsh talent, bringing Wales' stories to the world through ambitious, powerful productions.
The Story of Owain and Henry
Owain and Henry explores the historical rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr against King Henry IV. Glyndŵr’s declaration of Welsh independence in the 15th century marked one of the most significant moments in Wales’ history. The play will bring this epic story to life on one of Europe’s largest stages.
Sheen commented on the play:
“Owain and Henry is one of the origin stories of our nation, as relevant today as it was when Glyndŵr declared Wales an independent nation six hundred years ago.”
The Production and Creative Team
Owain and Henry is a Welsh National Theatre co-production with Wales Millennium Centre, where it will be performed in the Donald Gordon Theatre. The Donald Gordon Theatre is one of the largest stages in Europe, offering a grand setting for this epic tale.
Pádraig Cusack serves as executive producer for the production.
Tickets will be available from 4 August 2025 for WMC Members, and to the general public on 8 August 2025.
Gary Owen on the Ambition of the Play
Gary Owen, the playwright, shared his thoughts on the scale of the production:
“To tell Owain’s story on stage would mean an epic show, at huge scale. I had tried writing smaller versions, but they didn’t give the sense of what was at stake. This play, like Owain’s struggle, had to be all or nothing.”
Michael Sheen’s Vision for the Welsh National Theatre
Sheen added:
“Playing the iconic Welsh prince on one of Europe’s biggest stages in our capital city will be a defining moment for us as a people and culture. This is what Welsh National Theatre is all about.”
Arts Council of Wales and Funding Support
In addition to the exciting Owain and Henry, Welsh National Theatre has also announced a new revival of Our Town. This production comes as the Arts Council of Wales confirms transition funding to help the theatre develop its structures and vision for the future.
Looking Ahead to a Bold Future for Welsh Theatre
Gary Owen concluded:
“Huge plays cost money, so they’re a huge risk for producers. That’s why we hardly ever do them in Wales. We don’t dare. Until one day, Michael emailed me and told me he dared. And so here we are, presenting this huge story on the epic stage of the WMC. All or nothing.”
Get Your Tickets for Owain and Henry
This ambitious and monumental production promises to be a defining moment for Welsh theatre. Owain and Henry will run at the Wales Millennium Centre in November 2026. Tickets are available for pre-sale in August 2025, so be sure to secure your spot for this epic theatrical event.
