Cardiff's Theatre for Wales
Imagine a world made more equitable, more compassionate, more unified by the power of theatre. We are driven to achieve this vision every day. We do this by creating and curating shared live theatre experiences that inspire people from all backgrounds across South Wales to make a better world, in their own way. We believe that access to creativity and self-expression is a right and we constantly strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be enriched by the art of theatre.
Our focus on the development and production of new writing and on nurturing Welsh and Wales-based artists makes us the engine room of Welsh theatre. We tell Welsh stories with global resonance through our Made at Sherman productions, created under our roof right here in the heart of Cardiff. We’re a place for everyone, generating opportunities for the citizens of South Wales to connect with theatre through inspiring and visionary engagement.
What we do:
– Exceptional theatre for the people of South Wales and beyond: We make and curate uplifting, meaningful and relevant theatre of the highest quality. We premiere new plays which tell local stories with global resonance. We want our theatre to prompt audiences to think about how the actions they might take to make a better world.
– Nurturing Welsh and Wales-based writers: Through our artist development schemes we support writers at all levels of their careers to hone their craft, tell their stories and create engaging work for audiences.
– Inspiring young people: Our celebrated Youth Theatre and Creative Engagement programmes help to create engaged young citizens who are motivated to make a positive impact on the world.
– Connecting communities: Our pioneering community engagement work is designed to connect people facing barriers with theatre, aid social cohesion across South Wales and help tackle social isolation.
In a typical year:
– We premiere around four new plays by Welsh and Wales-based writers
– We create a fresh new production of much-loved classic play in our Main House
– At Christmas we produce a spectacular Main House show for ages 7+ and introduce 3-6 year olds to theatre with our bilingual Studio show. Our show for ages 3-6 tours South Wales throughout November
– Throughout the year our Literary Department run a range of artist development schemes to support artists at different stages of their careers
– Our Youth Theatre, Sherman Players and Introduction to Playwriting programmes run throughout the year. Sherman Youth Theatre and Sherman Players stage two and one productions annually respectively
– Our Community work continues all year-long
Sherman productions since 2015
2015
Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen (world premiere) – also at the National Theatre, UK tour, New York and Schaubuhne Berlin
A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen in an English Language version by Simon Stephens
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Adapted by Theresa Heskins
The Princess and the Pea / Y Dywysoges a’r Bysen Fechan Fach (world premiere) by Katherine Chandler in a co-production with Theatr Iolo – also South Wales tour
2016
Bird by Katherine Chandler in a co-production with the Royal Exchange, Manchester
Love, Lies & Taxidermy by Alan Harris (world premiere) in a co-production with Paines Plough and Theatr Clwyd
The Borrowers Adapted by Charles Way
The Emperor’s New Clothes / Dillad Newydd Yr Ymerawdwr by Alun Saunders (world premiere) in co-production with Theatr Iolo – also South Wales tour
2017
Killology by Gary Owen (world premiere) in a co-production with the Royal Court, London
How My Light Is Spent by Alan Harris (world premiere) in a co-production with the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
The Cherry Orchard Reimagining by Gary Owen (world premiere)
The Wind in the Willows Adapted by Mike Kenny
The Magic Porridge Pot / Hud y Crochan Uwd by Alun Saunders (world premiere) – also South Wales tour
2018
Dublin Carol by Conor McPherson
The Motherf**ker with the Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgus in co-production with Tron Theatre (Welsh premiere)
Tremor by Brad Birch (world premiere) – also at Paines Plough Roundabout (Theatr Clwyd and Edinburgh Festival Fringe)
Fel Anifail by Meic Povey
Lord of the Flies Adapted by Nigel Williams in a co-production with Theatr Clwyd
Alice in Wonderland Adapted by Mike Kenny
Little Red Riding Hood / Yr Hugan Fach Goch Devised by Gethin Evans (world premiere)
2019
Woof by Elgan Rhys (world premiere)
The Taming of the Shrew in a new version by Jo Clifford in co-production with Tron Theatre (world premiere)
Lose Yourself by Katherine Chandler (world premiere)
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen In a new version by Brian Friel
The Snow Queen by Conor Mitchell (world premiere)
The Ugly Duckling / Yr Hwyaden Fach Hyll by Katherine Chandler – also South Wales tour
2020
Tylwyth by Daf James in co-production with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru (world premiere)
Digitally throughout lockdown
Mum & Dad by Gary Owen
TEN Plays by Alexandria Riley, Alun Saunders, Connor Allen, Elin Phillips, Emma Cooney, Katie Elin-Salt, Kelly Jones, Owen Thomas, Rick Allden, Sarah Louise Madden
Heart of Cardiff audio plays by Claire Boot, Emma Cooney, Emily Garside, Tim Green, Kyle Lima, Hannah McPake, Nia Morais, Mali Ann Rees, Owen Thomas and Aled Wyn Thomas.
2021
The Merthyr Stigmatist by Lisa Parry (digital world premiere) in co-production with Theatre Uncut
Crafangau / Claws by Nia Morais (world premiere)
Radical Reinventions: The Love Thief by Rahim El Habachi (world premiere)
Radical Reinventions: The Messenger by Seiriol Davies (world premiere)
Radical Reinventions: Hamlet is a F&£$boi by Lowri Jenkins (world premiere)
Radical Reinventions: Tilting at Windmills by Hannah McPake (world premiere)
A Christmas Carol Adapted by Gary Owen
The Elves and the Shoemaker / Y Coblynnod a’r Crydd by Katherine Chandler – also South Wales tour
2022
Dance to the Bone by Eleanor Yates and Oliver Hoare (world premiere)
A Hero of the People by Brad Birch after Henrik Ibsen
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare with new Welsh language adaptations by Mari Izzard and Nia Morais
Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Hannah McPake (world premiere)
Elen Benfelen / Goldilocks by Elgan Rhys (world premiere) – also South Wales tour
2023
Romeo and Julie by Gary Owen (world premiere) in co-production with the National Theatre
Imrie by Nia Morais (world premiere) in co-production with Frân Wen – also Welsh tour
Housemates by Tim Green (world premiere) in co-production with Hijinx
Peter Pan by Catherine Dyson (world premiere) in co-production with Theatr Iolo
Hansel and / a Gretel by Katie Elin-Salt (world premiere) – also South Wales tour