First image released of Michael Sheen as Owain Glyndŵr

The first image of Michael Sheen as Owain Glyndŵr has been released to mark the annual day honouring the last Welsh-born Prince of Wales.

It comes two months before Owain & Henry, a new play exploring Glyndŵr’s 15th Century rebellion against English rule, in one of the first productions announced by Welsh National Theatre, Sheen’s own company.

Glyndŵr, a symbol of Welsh nationalism, is remembered in statues, monuments and place names across Wales.

Sheen, who has previously said the Royal Family should give up the Prince of Wales title, said he would portray Glyndŵr as “the iconic Welsh prince”.

Sheen, who as an actor is best known for transforming into characters including Prince Andrew, David Frost and Tony Blair, previously said he was “incredibly excited”.

“It’s the play that tells the exact story that I want this national theatre company to be able to tell, on the second biggest stage in Europe,” he added.

Born in Port Talbot, Sheen explained how Owain & Henry was “one of the origin stories of our nation, as relevant in today’s complex world as it was when Glyndŵr declared Wales an independent nation 600 years ago”.

An audio release was also posted on social media which shows Sheen speaking as Glyndŵr for the first time.

The play by Welsh playwright Gary Owen is believed to be the first time the story of Glyndŵr has been tackled by a dramatist for a large-scale production, with the prince as the main character.

It will be performed at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in November 2026.