Greatest Welsh actor to come home:
Royal Welsh College announces
new Richard Burton Theatre
At a star-studded Royal Gala at Buckingham Palace, with Dame
Elizabeth Taylor in attendance, His Royal Highness The Prince of
Wales tonight (29th April) announced that the new theatre currently
under construction at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
is to be named The Richard Burton Theatre.
Dame Elizabeth said ‘Richard would have been so
deeply touched by this great honour, as am I. It is wonderful to be
here and join in this celebration, along with many others who
remember and respect Richard with so much love in their
hearts.’
‘The Burton family is deeply appreciative of the naming of this
wonderful theatre,’ said Richard Burton’s nephew, Guy Masterson.
‘Wales has given the world some of its greatest artistes, and we
are delighted that Rich’s legacy lives on in his homeland. We are
confident that it will provide a great environment for the students
at the Royal Welsh College.’
Kate Burton, Richard Burton’s daughter, who was unable at the
last moment to be at Buckingham Palace due to work commitments in
the US, added ‘I am proud and very excited about the naming of this
theatre for my father. He was a very passionate and determined man
and I know this new theatre in the capital of Wales will inspire
future generations of young actors to follow in his footsteps.’
The Richard Burton Theatre, along with the 450 seat Concert
Hall, four Acting & Movement Studios and Exhibition Gallery,
will be an important new addition to the College’s professional
training and performance facilities. Designed by architectural
practice BFLS, it is due to open in the Spring of 2011.
Dame Elizabeth presented Prince Charles with an original bronze
bust of Richard Burton as a young man, which will stand in the
foyer of the new theatre in the College.
‘It is wonderful to receive a bust of this great Welshman and
personal friend in the presence of our Patron, His Royal Highness,
who is an enthusiastic supporter of the College, and alongside
representatives of the Burton family,’ said College President, Lord
Rowe-Beddoe. He added, ‘This evening has been an exciting occasion
for the College, and a fitting climax to our 60th Anniversary
celebrations’. Hilary Boulding, Principal at the College added,
‘It’s a great thrill for the Royal Welsh College to be able to
honour one of Wales’ most famous sons. Richard Burton is synonymous
with a passion and talent for acting, and commemorating his legacy
in this way will be an inspiration for our students. We are
delighted that Wales’ newest theatre will bear his name.”
Prince Charles, Patron of the Royal Welsh College of Music &
Drama, had generously agreed to host the royal gala at Buckingham
Palace as the culmination of the College’s 60th anniversary
celebrations.
The evening featured a series of performances showcasing the
talents of the College’s students, alongside Bryn Terfel CBE, an
Honorary Fellow of the College, who made his Buckingham Palace
debut singing at the event. A tribute to
Richard Burton was read by his close friend, actor Robert Hardy
CBE.
Guests included Dame Shirley Bassey, Ruth Jones and Rob Brydon
as well as Lord Lloyd Webber, Lord and Lady Sainsbury of Preston
Candover, Sir David Frost, Sir Michael Parkinson and Sir Howard
Stringer, together with several members of Richard Burton’s
family.