Rugbeian Lloyd Richards (T 81-86) is stepping into the shoes of one of Wales’ most iconic actors, portraying Richard Burton in the acclaimed one-man play, Playing Burton. Performing at Rugby Theatre and the Priory Theatre in Kenilworth, he is also set to take the production to Burton’s hometown.

He shared insights into his journey, his inspiration and his advice for aspiring performers.

When asked what inspired him to take on the role, Richards’ answer was a personal connection, “I have been a fan all my life. Being Welsh, Burton is very much part of my heritage. Plus, my dad met him a few times and grew up around the corner from my father’s village in Skewen.”

This connection to both heritage and family history adds a unique authenticity to his performance.

Taking on Burton has proven to be a landmark moment in Richards’ acting career, commenting “it is the privilege of my acting life.”

He was granted special permission by playwright Mark Jenkins to perform an intimate version of the play on the centenary of Burton’s birth.

“I played to an audience of 40 people at Rugby Theatre, and the atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced. Truly inspiring.”

Now returning to a larger stage, he adds, “I urge anyone and everyone interested in theatre to come and watch it on Wednesday May 6 on the main stage at Rugby Theatre. It would be great to see some Rugby School students and the wider Rubgeian community.”

He describes the play as “one of the greatest one-man shows ever written.”

Reflecting on the demands of performance, Richards explains, “I don’t suffer that much because I am so fully invested in the performance. When the entire show hangs on your every word, you either embrace it or run for the hills.”

And, in a line many students will appreciate, “Learning a two-hour monologue was easier than two years of A Levels.”

Richards also shared a striking personal story that deepens his connection to Burton through his father, Bryan Richards, a former Rugby School teacher and accomplished rugby player.

Bryan Richards taught Economics at Rugby School from 1970, later becoming Head of Economics and Housemaster at Cotton. He coached rugby at every level, from U14s to the 1st XV. Beyond teaching, he had an outstanding rugby career, playing for Neath, the Royal Air Force and Swansea (as captain), as well as London Welsh (captain), the Barbarians, and Cambridge University, earning a Blue. He was also capped at fly-half for Wales in 1959-60.

Reflecting on Welsh identity, Richards noted:

“Richard Burton famously said he would have swapped all his performances of Henry V and Hamlet just to be capped for Wales. That’s how much Welsh rugby meant and still means to us proud Welshmen.”

One story in particular stood out.

In 1958, Bryan Richards attended an after-match dinner where Richard Burton was guest of honour, “he sat with my father at the top of the table and they shared a bottle of brandy together.”

When Lloyd later asked if his father had asked for an autograph, the reply was unforgettable, “No… but he asked for mine.”

Richards’ connection to his father’s legacy continues today. He and his wife recently appeared on the BBC programme The Repair Shop, where experts restored his father’s Welsh rugby jersey, preserving a piece of family and sporting history.

His advice to current students and fellow Rugbeians is simple, “Come, watch and learn!”

Lloyd is performing at the Rugby Theatre on 6 May, tickets can be purchased here, and at the Priory Theatre on 5 June, tickets here.