Renowned Welsh actor Michael Sheen has announced that he will take on the role of Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales, in an upcoming theatre production.
The play, titled “Owain & Henry,” is set to explore the legendary leader’s rebellion against English rule in Wales during the 15th century. This production marks one of the first major projects unveiled by the Welsh National Theatre, a company founded by Sheen himself.
The actor, known for his transformative performances in both film and television, has long been an advocate for Welsh culture and identity, making this role a particularly significant one for him.
Owain Glyndŵr remains an iconic figure in Welsh history, revered as a symbol of national pride and resistance. Across Wales, his legacy is immortalized in statues, street names, monuments, and even local pubs. His defiance against English rule and his dream of an independent Wales have cemented his place as a historical hero.
Sheen, who has previously spoken about his views on the Prince of Wales title and its ties to the British monarchy, expressed his enthusiasm for portraying such a powerful historical figure. He described Glyndŵr as “the iconic Welsh prince” whose story is just as relevant today as it was over six centuries ago.
The play is scheduled to debut in November 2026 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, one of the premier venues in Europe for theatrical performances. Sheen has emphasized that this production is exactly the kind of story he envisioned for the Welsh National Theatre.
“Owain & Henry” will be staged on the second biggest stage in Europe, reinforcing the scale and ambition of the project. Sheen’s excitement about bringing this story to life reflects his broader mission to celebrate Welsh history and storytelling on a grand stage.
Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion was one of the most significant uprisings against English rule in medieval Wales. He led a 15-year revolt against King Henry IV, during which he declared himself the Prince of Wales.
However, despite initial successes, Wales was ultimately reconquered by English forces. The memory of Glyndŵr’s resistance has endured, inspiring generations of Welsh people and keeping the dream of an independent Wales alive in the cultural consciousness.
Before Glyndŵr’s revolt, Wales had already suffered the loss of its independence. More than a century earlier, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last prince of an independent Wales, was killed in battle. His severed head was sent to Edward I of England, a brutal symbol of England’s dominance over Wales.
Following this, Edward I bestowed the title of Prince of Wales upon his son, Edward II, beginning a tradition where the title was customarily given to the heir apparent to the English throne. This historical precedent remains a point of contention for many Welsh nationalists.
Sheen has previously voiced his opinions on the Prince of Wales title and its implications for Welsh identity. In a 2020 interview, he suggested that when the time came for the title to be passed from Prince Charles to Prince William, it would be a powerful and meaningful gesture to end the tradition.
Sheen believes that this shift could symbolize greater respect for Welsh heritage and autonomy. His advocacy for Welsh cultural representation aligns closely with his decision to take on the role of Glyndŵr.
“Owain & Henry” is believed to be the first major dramatization of Glyndŵr’s story. The play is written by celebrated Welsh playwright Gary Owen, who has long been an advocate for expanding Welsh theatre.
Owen admitted that when he first conceptualized the play, Sheen was his “dream casting” for the role of Glyndŵr. However, he never imagined that his vision would actually come to fruition.
The realization of this production marks a significant moment for both Owen and the broader Welsh theatre community.
Owen emphasized the importance of producing large-scale theatrical works in Wales, believing that the country needs to connect with bigger audiences through powerful storytelling. While acknowledging the pressure of bringing such an ambitious project to life, he also expressed his excitement about the challenge.
He hopes that “Owain & Henry” will serve as a catalyst for greater investment in Welsh theatre and encourage more stories of national significance to be told on major stages.
Sheen has been a longtime admirer of Owen’s work, describing him as “one of the greatest writers Wales has ever produced.” He hopes that the play will introduce many people to Glyndŵr’s story for the first time, sparking conversations about Welsh history and identity.
“There will be people who come along to this who have never heard of Owain Glyndŵr before,” Sheen said. “And it starts a conversation, you know, it starts a national conversation.” His passion for bringing Welsh stories to the forefront is evident in both his performance choices and his broader efforts to support the arts in Wales.
Earlier this year, Sheen announced the creation of the Welsh National Theatre, filling the void left by the closure of National Theatre Wales. The new company has already secured significant backing, including £200,000 in transition funding from Arts Council Wales.
Beyond “Owain & Henry,” the company has ambitious plans, including a Welsh adaptation of the classic American play “Our Town.” This project will feature “Doctor Who” writer Russell T Davies as a creative associate and is set to tour various locations across Wales and England in early 2026.
In addition to these productions, the Welsh National Theatre has commissioned four Welsh playwrights to create works of “national significance.” The company has also established a network of talent scouts to discover and develop emerging Welsh artists.
Sheen sees this as a crucial step in nurturing the next generation of Welsh theatrical talent. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in Port Talbot, he likened the initiative to football scouting, where young players are identified and supported by major clubs.
He hopes to create a similar system for the arts, using the Welsh National Theatre as a launching pad for promising talent.
Since the announcement of the Welsh National Theatre, Sheen has received an outpouring of support from across the entertainment industry. Fellow Welsh actor Matthew Rhys reached out to express his encouragement, as have numerous other figures within the arts community.
The enthusiasm surrounding the company and its mission underscores the deep cultural pride that exists in Wales and the strong desire for more homegrown theatrical productions.
Sheen shared a heartwarming story about an anonymous donor who sent a financial contribution in support of the Welsh National Theatre. The donation arrived in an envelope simply addressed to “brilliant actor Michael Sheen,” yet it still found its way to his parents.
Inside was a note praising Sheen’s efforts and a cheque to help fund the theatre. The actor was so moved by the gesture that he now carries the cheque with him as a reminder of the impact his work is having.
As preparations for “Owain & Henry” and other productions get underway, Sheen remains dedicated to his vision for Welsh theatre. He believes that storytelling has the power to shape national identity and inspire future generations.
By bringing the story of Owain Glyndŵr to the stage, he hopes to ignite a renewed appreciation for Welsh history and culture. With the backing of talented playwrights, passionate supporters, and a burgeoning theatre company, Sheen’s dream of a thriving Welsh National Theatre is well on its way to becoming a reality.
