Michael Sheen: My Game Changing Moment

The vision for Port Talbot’s The Passion reimagined the biblical Passion story and set it against the real-life struggles of Port Talbot, Michael Sheen’s hometown. The Passion was co-directed by Michael Sheen and Bill Mitchell and created by National Lottery-backed National Theatre Wales, and by Wildworks. Owen Sheers adapted the story to reflect the local people’s experience, struggles and hopes, engaging more than 1,000 locals in the cast and crew.

The play unfolded in real-time over 72 hours, drawing 25,000 spectators into the streets of Port Talbot and millions of watchers worldwide, creating a fully immersive experience that
blended fiction and reality for onlookers. The experience was transformative for both the town and Sheen, who chose to move back to Wales and dedicate much of his career to  community-based work after the deeply unifying experience he had in his hometown.

Michael Sheen Talks to Good Morning Brittan and Sky News

30 years of Game Changing Moments

Since its launch in November 1994, The National Lottery has been a game changer for communities, heritage, sport, arts and film, funding hundreds of thousands of projects
across the UK. Creating community spirit and national pride. Championing unsung heroes, creative genius and sporting sensations. Saving species, landmarks and even lives.
All thanks to National Lottery players.

To mark its 30th year, The National Lottery has curated a photography exhibition that features the iconic, Game Changing Moments from the past three decades that National Lottery funding has helped make possible. Game Changing Moments that are the culmination of years of funding, commitment, training, belief, volunteering,  tenacity and much, much more.

That is what this exhibition celebrates. We would like to extend our enormous gratitude to everyone  who contributed to these moments and this exhibition, and  to the National Portrait Gallery for hosting it.