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To celebrate the occasion, Neath Port Talbot Council and RB100 partners are hosting a series of events, talks, free tours, workshops, performances, and more, working with partners to shine a spotlight on the Afan Valley-born actor’s legacy. 

The latest announcement for RB100 comes from Severn Screen, the production company behind the much-anticipated biopic Mr Burton, together with film distributors Icon Film Distribution. The film tells the story of Richard Burton’s early years in Neath Port Talbot.Mr Burton explores how the community and landscape shaped Richard Burton, telling the lesser-known story of the influential relationship he had with his teacher and later his legal guardian, Philip Burton. 

To thank and recognise the local community’s impact on the film – and on the man himself - the film has been exclusively released a week early in Port Talbot’s Reel Cinema, with the first showing available to book from 29th March.

The film’s exclusive early release in Port Talbot on 29th March give local residents and visitors the chance to experience the film before it is available to watch in UK cinemas from 4th April. To book tickets visit: www.mrburtonfilm.co.uk. 

Cllr. Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism, and Wellbeing for Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "We are pleased to welcome the film 'Mr Burton' to local cinemas as part of the Richard Burton Centenary celebrations. Richard Burton's legacy is deeply intertwined with the community and landscape of Neath Port Talbot, and this film beautifully captures the essence of his early years here. The exclusive early release in Port Talbot is a fitting tribute to the local community's impact on Burton's life and career. We invite residents and visitors alike to join us in celebrating this remarkable actor and the rich cultural heritage of our area."

Karleigh Davies, Destination and Development Coordinator at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "We are delighted with this decision from the producers and distributors to give Neath Port Talbot residents the unique opportunity to watch Mr Burton on the big screen before its UK-wide release, as the exclusive preview celebrates the vital role this community played in supporting Burton to reach his potential as a globally acclaimed actor.

"This area has produced so many incredible actors, writers and performers, and Richard Burton is said to have been the spark that lit the flame in this creative furnace of Wales. 

"Richard Burton never forgot his Welsh roots, often returning with family to visit his birthplace of Pontrhydyfen and his childhood town of Taibach. We are proud to celebrate the Richard Burton Centenary by welcoming locals and visitors from across the world to come and discover how this landscape and community inspired Burton’s creative efforts. We know the film captures this brilliantly, and hope residents enjoy this opportunity to learn more about iconic characters in our area’s history."

The film’s early release will be followed by more RB100 events and activities, including the Becoming Richard Burton exhibition previewing at Aberafan Shopping Centre in May. 

Free guided tours are also running each month along the Richard Burton Trails, sharing stories of his early years, and there are book talks, dramatic readings, and performances planned throughout the year. 

RB100 celebrations will culminate in a Gala Event in November, to mark what would have been Richard Burton’s 100th birthday. 

For more information on the Richard Burton Centenary, visit richardburton100.org.