Written by Kia for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is often described as a classic, but this new Welsh National Theatre and Rose Theatre co-production shows just how easily the story can belong anywhere. By relocating the play to a small town in Wales, this version feels fresh, familiar, and emotionally close to home.

This is the Welsh National Theatre’s first production, opening at Swansea Grand before heading to North Wales and finishing at the Rose Theatre. It is directed by Francesca Goodridge (who directed Nye, produced by Wales Millennium Centre and the National Theatre, and is the incoming Artistic Director of Sherman Theatre in Cardiff). Michael Sheen stars as the Stage Manager, leading a strong Welsh cast and backed by an incredible creative team.

Instead of New Hampshire, the story is set in Wales between 1904 and 1913. We see everyday life unfold, children playing, neighbours chatting, choir practice, first love, marriage and, eventually, death. Michael Sheen’s Stage Manager guides us through the town, watching the lives of its people play out, often breaking the fourth wall. The emotional heart of the show is the relationship between Emily (Yasemin Özdemir) and George (Peter Devlin), which slowly draws you in.

At its core, the play is about community – the closeness, the comfort, and the way everyone knows everyone else’s business. Moving the story to Wales makes that idea feel even stronger and proves how universal the themes really are, despite the play being written almost a century ago.

The movement is one of the most striking parts of the production. Choreographed by Jess Williams, the ensemble work is fluid and carefully detailed. With very little set, the cast use floorboards and movement to create homes, doorways and tables. You never feel the lack of props because the staging is so clear and imaginative.

Yasemin Özdemir was a real standout for me. Her Emily has grit and warmth, and I found myself rooting for her from start to finish.

At its heart, the show reminds us to slow down and notice the life we’re living. The message feels just as relevant today as it did when the play was first written, and it’s hard to imagine a time when it won’t be.

I truly loved this show, not just for how well it’s made, but for its commitment to Welsh people and Welsh voices. If this is the standard for Welsh National Theatre, I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Our Town is on a limited tour until 28 March 2026

★★★★

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