Senedd pays tribute to Richard Burton on centenary of his birth

Aberavon MS David Rees led the commemoration, describing Burton as a trailblazer for aspiring actors, an inspiration to people across Wales, and a global icon whose legacy continues to resonate.

“On 10 November, 1925, Richard Walter Jenkins Jr was born in his family home in Pontrhydyfen,” Mr Rees told Members. “His father was a miner. His mother worked in the local pub, the Miners Arms. As the 12th of 13 siblings, he grew up in a Welsh‑speaking household until his mother, Edith, died tragically when he was just two.”

Burton was raised by his sister Cecilia and her husband in Taibach, in a community shaped by coal, steel and chapel life. His talent was spotted at Port Talbot Secondary School by teacher Philip Burton, who became his mentor and whose surname Richard later adopted.

“Richard’s two passions were acting and rugby, and it was the former in which he truly excelled,” Mr Rees said. “Performing in local plays and eisteddfodau, he developed his acting skills and built a strong reputation. Following his time at Oxford University, he began a professional career on stage across the UK before moving into film, where the world became aware of his talent.”

Burton went on to become one of the most recognisable actors of his generation, nominated for an Oscar seven times and starring in films including Cleopatra, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.

Despite his international fame, Mr Rees said Burton remained deeply connected to his roots.

“He retained strong links with Port Talbot, proudly promoting his Welsh identity internationally and returning regularly to Pontrhydyfen – the one place where he felt he truly belonged,” he said.

Marking the centenary, Mr Rees told the Senedd it was fitting to honour Burton’s achievements and his pride in being Welsh.

“Richard would have been 100 this week, but he sadly died well before his time at the age of just 58. A short life, but a great legacy. We will never forget that talent or that voice – and what a memorable voice. Thank you for everything, Richard.”

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Blue Plaques unveiled for Richard and Philip Burton in Neath Port Talbot

The unveiling ceremonies took place on 10 November, with Richard Burton’s plaque revealed by his daughter Kate and granddaughter Charlotte. Family members, admirers and the local community gathered to mark the centenary of one of Wales’s most celebrated performers.

Richard Burton, born in Pontrhydyfen, rose from humble beginnings to international stardom. Discovered by his teacher Philip Burton — who adopted him to improve his chances of studying at Oxford — Richard went on to become a Shakespearean leading man, a Hollywood star in films such as Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and the voice behind recordings including Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood and Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds.

Philip Burton, also recognised with a Blue Plaque, played a pivotal role in nurturing Richard’s talent. He later became a radio producer and theatre director, working across the UK and USA, and co‑founded the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Councillor Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said:

“The Blue Plaques recognise and celebrate two men who are integral to our history in Neath Port Talbot. Both went on to achieve international acclaim, yet stayed true to their Welsh roots and represent the kind of grit, passion and community spirit we are immensely proud of here in the region.”

Charlotte Burton added:

“The Blue Plaques are an honour for my grandfather’s legacy. As a family, it is truly heartwarming to see how precious he continues to be to the local community who raised him.”

Centenary celebrations continue

The unveiling is part of a wider programme marking Richard Burton’s centenary year. Events include poetry and play readings in Port Talbot and London, a lecture at the Richard Burton Archives, and a guided walking tour of the Richard Burton Trails.

Highlights also include the sold‑out Richard Burton Centenary Gala at Margam Country Park on 14 November, featuring performances from Michael Sheen, Jeff Wayne, the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre and actor Nansi Adams. In December, the British Film Institute will host a retrospective season Richard Burton: Muse of Fire at BFI Southbank in London.

The celebrations conclude with award‑winning Welsh actor Matthew Rhys performing Playing Burton at Bethel Chapel Café — his first return to the Welsh stage in over 20 years.

For full details, visit richardburton100.org.

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Matthew Rhys to bring acclaimed Burton play to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot as part of Welsh stage return

The Cardiff‑born star, best known for his Emmy‑winning role in The Americans, will perform Playing Burton, a one‑man play about the life of Richard Burton, as part of the RB100 centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Port Talbot‑born actor’s birth.

The production, written by Mark Jenkins and directed by Tony Award‑winner Bartlett Sher, explores Burton’s rise from his South Wales roots to international stardom, his turbulent relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, and his struggles with alcoholism.

Swansea Grand Theatre dates

Rhys will take to the stage at Swansea Grand Theatre on 24 and 25 November, with both shows followed by a special Q&A alongside fellow Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who has spearheaded the creation of the new Welsh National Theatre.

Pontrhydyfen finale

The tour will culminate in a special performance at Bethel Chapel Café in Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, on 26 November — the village where Burton was born and raised. The event will close the centenary celebrations in the community that shaped him.

Local pride in Burton’s legacy

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said the centenary was a chance to celebrate Burton’s enduring influence:

“Richard Burton’s career spanned decades and instilled a life‑long love of performing arts within millions. He remained proud of his Port Talbot roots throughout it all, and we hope these performances encourage and inspire more people to engage with the arts in Wales.

It feels as though Burton is passing the torch to the Welsh National Theatre to continue representing Wales on the international stage.”

Supporting Welsh National Theatre

All proceeds from the tour will go towards supporting the Welsh National Theatre, founded by Michael Sheen to create new opportunities for Welsh talent.

Rhys said returning to Wales to play Burton was deeply personal:

“The reason I wanted to act was because of Richard Burton. He blazed the trail for us all and showed us it was possible.”

Tickets

Tickets for Playing Burton are on sale now via the Welsh National Theatre website: welshnationaltheatre.com/playing-burton.

Related Richard Burton stories

Young poet sought to honour Richard Burton’s mentor
A new commission invites poets aged 16–25 to celebrate Philip Burton, the teacher who discovered and nurtured Richard Burton’s talent.

New book shines spotlight on the inspirational teacher who made Richard Burton
Historian Angela John’s biography explores the life of Philip Burton, the man who transformed a miner’s son from Pontrhydyfen into a global star.

Neath Port Talbot celebrates RB100: the Richard Burton Centenary
Trails, talks and performances mark 100 years since Burton’s birth, celebrating his legacy in the Dramatic Heart of Wales.

New Richard Burton exhibition tells the story of an international star
A major exhibition, supported by Swansea University, reveals the man behind the headlines through diaries, papers and personal objects.

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Young poet sought to honour Richard Burton’s mentor in centenary commission

The commission is part of the Richard Burton Centenary celebrations marking 100 years since the Afan Valley‑born star of stage and screen was born in Pontrhydyfen in 1925.

Working with Literature Wales, organisers are inviting poets aged 16–25 to submit an original poem celebrating the life of Philip Burton — the schoolteacher who discovered Richard’s talent, encouraged him to stay in education, and later adopted him to improve his chances of winning a place at Oxford.

Philip Burton’s influence on the young actor included vocal training, coaching, and nurturing his literary and acting ambitions. His role has been highlighted in recent years through Angela John’s biography Behind the Scenes: the Dramatic Lives of Philip Burton and Severn Screen’s Mr Burton film.

Celebrating the power of mentors

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism & Wellbeing, said the commission was an opportunity to recognise the impact of teachers, mentors and parents in supporting creative talent.

“Philip Burton didn’t have to take Richard on, he didn’t owe him anything; he simply saw a boy with immense talent, living in difficult circumstances, and gave him a chance,” he said.

“During the Centenary year, we want to recognise and celebrate the impact that mentors, teachers and parents can have on budding creatives, especially here in Neath Port Talbot where creativity runs deep.”

How to apply

The winning poet will receive a £500 commission to complete their work, which will be performed at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at Philip Burton’s former home on Monday 10 November.

Poems can be submitted in English or Welsh, and no previous experience is required. Entries should be emailed to [email protected] by 30 September.

Full details are available on the Richard Burton Centenary website.

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