Richard Burton, who joined The Old Vic Theatre Company in 1949 and played roles like Hamlet, helped establish his international reputation, with The Old Vic playing a key role in his early career.

Written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Bartlett Sher, the play explores Burton's rise from South Wales to international fame, his romantic relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and his struggles with alcoholism.

Matthew Rhys, an Emmy-winning actor, is returning to the London stage after 21 years to portray Richard Burton in the one-man play 'Playing Burton' at The Old Vic, with an additional performance scheduled for November 16, 2025, due to high demand.

Tickets for the London performances are now on sale, with additional shows across Wales from November 16 to 26, 2025, some of which are sold out or have limited availability.

The production is part of RB100, commemorating Burton's centenary, culminating in a special performance in Burton's birthplace of Pontrhydyfen on November 26, 2025.

Michael Sheen, a supporter of the project, highlighted Rhys's involvement and the importance of celebrating Welsh cultural figures through this production.

The play is revived to celebrate the centenary of Richard Burton's birth and to raise funds for the Welsh National Theatre, highlighting Burton's life and career.

Rhys emphasized the significance of The Old Vic in Burton's and his own careers, noting how the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the staging of 'Playing Burton'.