Sherman Cymru Theatre, Cardiff

Located in the Cathays district of Cardiff, Sherman Theatre has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural scene since its inauguration. Established in 1973, the theatre was originally named after the Sherman brothers, founders of Sherman's Football Pools, who played a significant role in financing the construction. Initially built as a twin-auditorium venue, the theatre was financially supported by University College Cardiff, now known as Cardiff University.

The theatre officially opened on October 3, 1973, with a screening of Ken Russell's "The Savage Messiah," and was formally opened by the Duke of Edinburgh on November 23, 1973. Between 2007 and 2016, the venue was known as Sherman Cymru following a merger between the Sherman Theatre Company and Sgript Cymru. This period marked a significant phase in its history, emphasizing its commitment to producing and showcasing Welsh theatre.

Sherman Theatre houses two performance spaces: a main auditorium that accommodates 452 people and a smaller studio/arena with a capacity of 100 seats. These facilities underwent a significant refurbishment between 2010 and 2012, featuring a modern redesign by Jonathan Adams, which included a distinctive metal-clad facade.

Under the artistic direction of various individuals over the years, with Phil Clark serving from 1990 to 2006, and currently Joe Murphy, Sherman Theatre has developed a reputation for innovative and provocative productions. It has received multiple accolades, including the UK Theatre Award for "Best New Play 2015" for Gary Owen’s "Iphigenia in Splott," which also garnered recognition for Sophie Melville's performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The play was notable for being the first Welsh play to transfer directly to the UK National Theatre.

Sherman Theatre remains a vital part of Cardiff’s artistic landscape, known for its commitment to new writing and its role in advancing Welsh theatre on both a national and international stage. It has also played a significant role in addressing contemporary issues, as seen in its touring play "Deep Cut" in 2008, which won the Edinburgh Fringe First award and a Herald Angel Award.