Mr. Burton

Directed by Marc Evans

United Kingdom

2025

124 mins

The legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton’s remarkable true story of his formative years is handsomely realised in this stirring drama starring an impeccable Toby Jones.

“Without Philip Burton there never would have been a Richard Burton,” said Elizabeth Taylor, the Shakespearean star’s wife twice-over. Beloved British actor Toby Jones (First Cow) adds another memorable character to his gallery as Philip, the dedicated school teacher who helped a then Richard Jenkins become stage and screen giant Richard Burton. Opening in the shadow of Port Talbot Steelworks in 1942, the little-known story has been directed with great care and tenderness by Welsh filmmaker Marc Evans (of the Steeltown Murders series). Featuring a splendid performance by Harry Lawtey as Richard and a supporting cast of Wales’ finest, including Lesley Manville, this is a treat for everyone who enjoys an amazing-but-true showbiz tale.

Limited seats are available for patrons requiring access for wheelchairs, low vision and hearing loop. Please contact our ticketing team directly on 1300 733 733 or tickets@sff.org.au to complete your booking.

“Beautifully photographed and richly atmospheric, director Marc Evans creates an engrossing study of an initially unlikely friendship between two individuals striving for better things.”

Terry Staunton, Radio Times

“Compelling enough to interest even those who already know Burton’s intriguing backstory.”

Nikki Baughan, Screen International

“Marc Evans’s film is a lovely thing. Jones and [Leslie] Manville are predictably excellent.”

Tara Brady, Irish Times

“Beautifully photographed and richly atmospheric, director Marc Evans creates an engrossing study of an initially unlikely friendship between two individuals striving for better things.”

Terry Staunton, Radio Times

Tickets

Wed 4 June 2025, 6pm

Past Event

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace - Cinema 5

Hayden Orpheum - Cinema 5

Sat 7 June 2025, 5:30pm

Past Event

Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace - Cinema 5

Hayden Orpheum - Cinema 5

See more, save more with a Flexipass or Youth Pass

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

Don’t miss a thing!

Whether you’re in Sydney or one of our rural locations, sign up to our newsletters for all the latest news and offers.

SFF

About

Support

General Enquiries

Ticketing Enquiries

Office Hours

MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9AM – 5PM AEDT

Discover