No longer booking
  • Venue Old Vic, London
  • Performance dates 16 November 2025
  • Running time 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval)
  • Age guidelines 14+

Emmy Award-winner Matthew Rhys returns to the London stage for the first time in 21 years to play Richard Burton in the acclaimed one-man drama Playing Burton at The Old Vic Theatre in London.

Experience a night of powerful storytelling as Matthew Rhys – known for The Americans and Perry Mason – transforms into fellow Welsh legend Richard Burton in this electrifying performance.

Written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (My Fair Lady, Kiss Me, Kate), Playing Burton is a rare and intimate portrait of one of Britain’s most magnetic and complex actors.

Marking the centenary of Richard Burton’s birth, the production is part of a nationwide celebration of Richard Burton. The Old Vic date will take place on Sunday 16 November 2025, with two exclusive performances, and is raising money for major new theatre company Welsh National Theatre led by Michael Sheen.

Why You Should See Playing Burton

  • See Matthew Rhys live on stage in a rare London appearance
  • Celebrate the centenary of Richard Burton’s birth
  • Experience an award-winning creative team in one of London’s most iconic theatres
  • Support the new Welsh National Theatre in its inaugural fundraising event

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see Matthew Rhys bring Richard Burton’s story to life for one night only at The Old Vic.

Playing Burton is playing at The Old Vic, London, on Sunday 16 November 2025.

First performed to critical acclaim, Playing Burton delves deep into the life and legacy of the Port Talbot-born star who conquered Hollywood and the world stage. The play traces Burton’s rise from his impoverished South Wales roots to global stardom — his passionate love affair with Elizabeth Taylor, his battles with fame and addiction, and his enduring love for the theatre.

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Playing Burton?

Starring Matthew Rhys as Richard Burton

Who are the creative team of Playing Burton?

Written by: Mark Jenkins

Directed by: Bartlett Sher

 

Venue Information

Old Vic , Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8NB

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 68, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 501

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Playing Burton

★★★★★ "Matthew Rhys is sensational as Richard Burton... Rhys invests this man with such speed of thought and such complexity that a tribute show becomes a kind of one-man Hamlet. To be Richard Burton or not to be? It’s stunning." - The Sunday Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Playing Burton is playing at the Old Vic in London
The running time of Playing Burton is 1 hour 30 minutes (no interval)
The age recommendations for Playing Burton are: 14+
Yes, Playing Burton has matinee performances on the following days:
No, sorry, Playing Burton has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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