Sherman Theatre

Sherman Theatre is a prominent producing and receiving theatre located in the Cathays area of Cardiff, Wales. Owned by Cardiff University, it has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural landscape since opening in 1973, presenting a mix of new writing, classic plays, and family-friendly work. The venue is recognized for its commitment to developing Welsh language drama and nurturing local talent, serving as a vital hub for the arts in the capital city.

History

The theatre was constructed as part of the University College, Cardiff's expansion and opened in 1973, named after the benefactor Sir John Sherman. Its early years were shaped by directors like Michael Bogdanov, who championed new writing and political theatre. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it gained a strong reputation for staging ambitious productions, including works by Howard Barker and European classics, while also hosting touring companies like Complicité and Cheek by Jowl. A significant chapter began in 2007 when it merged with Sgript Cymru, Wales' national new writing company, strengthening its dedication to playwrights. The venue closed in 2011 for a major redevelopment, reopening in 2012 with enhanced facilities to better serve its community and artistic ambitions.

Architecture and facilities

Designed by the firm Alex Gordon and Partners, the original brutalist structure was a notable example of 1970s civic architecture. The £4.5 million redevelopment, led by architects Holder Mathias, transformed the building while retaining its iconic concrete façade. The interior now houses a reconfigured and acoustically improved main auditorium, the Sherman Main House, with a capacity of 472 seats in a flexible arrangement. A second space, the more intimate Sherman Studio, provides a 120-seat black box venue ideal for experimental and smaller-scale work. The complex also includes a modern café-bar, improved backstage and rehearsal facilities, and full accessibility features, creating a welcoming and functional environment for audiences and artists.

Productions and artistic direction

As a producing theatre, it is renowned for premiering works by Welsh and Wales-based playwrights, such as Gary Owen, Matthew Bulgo, and Katherine Chandler, whose play Parallel Lines won critical acclaim. The artistic programme under recent directors like Rachel O'Riordan and Joe Murphy has balanced contemporary drama with innovative takes on classics, including productions of A Doll's House and The Cherry Orchard. It maintains a strong commitment to Welsh language theatre through its partnership with Sgript Cymru, staging bilingual productions and tours. The venue also hosts a diverse range of touring performances, from dance by National Dance Company Wales to comedy and music, and presents annual family shows during the Christmas season.

Community engagement and education

Its outreach work is central to its mission, with extensive projects connecting with schools and communities across South Wales. The Sherman Youth Theatre provides weekly workshops and performance opportunities for young people, while the Sherman 5 scheme offers discounted tickets to those under 25. It runs creative learning programmes in partnership with Cardiff University's School of English, Communication and Philosophy, and collaborates with organizations like Learning and Work Institute Wales on participatory projects. The theatre's open-door policy includes relaxed performances, audio-described shows, and workshops for people with disabilities, ensuring broad access to the arts.

Awards and recognition

The theatre's work has been honored with multiple awards, including several Wales Theatre Award wins for productions like Iphigenia in Splott and The Assassination of Katie Hopkins. It has received accolades from the UK Theatre Awards and was nominated for the prestigious The Stage Award for Theatre Building of the Year following its refurbishment. Individual artists associated with the venue, such as playwright Gary Owen and director Rachel O'Riordan, have been recognized with awards from the Arts Council of Wales and Critics' Circle Theatre Awards. The theatre's contribution to the cultural economy of Cardiff and its role in developing new writing is consistently highlighted in reviews by publications like The Guardian and The Stage.

Category:Theatres in Cardiff Category:Cardiff University Category:Theatre companies in Wales