A Cardiff actor is preparing for an epic feat of endurance to ensure the transformative power of theatre is accessible to all. Mike Morgan will take on the gruelling Wild Horse 200 ultramarathon across south Wales from April 15-20, aiming to raise £5,000 to establish a vital bursary fund for the Sherman Theatre.
The Challenge: A 200-Mile Journey for the Arts
Morgan's superhuman effort will see him run 200 miles, starting in Chepstow. His route will follow the historic Offa’s Dyke path, traverse the demanding Beacons Way, and finally join the scenic Wales Coast Path, with the finish line at Worm’s Head. Through a dedicated crowdfunding page, events, and sponsorship, his goal is to create a sustainable bursary scheme for the Sherman’s Creative Engagement programme.
The planned fund will offer both fully and partially-funded placements to participants of the theatre’s Youth Theatre, Sherman Players, or Sherman Makers programmes. This initiative is designed specifically to support individuals who face financial obstacles to taking part.
A Personal Mission Born from Experience
For Mike, this challenge is deeply personal. He is a former Sherman Player and a regular in the community chorus, having performed on the main stage in productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tales of the Brothers Grimm, and Odyssey ‘84. In October 2025, he also ran the Cardiff Half-Marathon for the theatre's Share Your Passion Fund.
"I’m running 200 miles for the Sherman Theatre because of the incredible opportunities they’ve given me, and now I want to help pass that on," Morgan said. "The Sherman is a remarkable place - it brings people together, nurtures young talent, and makes the arts accessible to everyone. My goal is ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage creatively, regardless of financial barriers."
Building a Legacy of Accessible Theatre
Emma Tropman, Sherman Theatre’s Head of Fundraising and Development, explained the long-term vision behind the fundraiser. "The bursary scheme we have in our sights here is a perfect example of how we might diversify participation, expand open access opportunities, open up creative engagement to everyone and support and encourage people to try something new," she stated.
This is not a short-term project. The theatre intends to use the initial £5,000 raised by Mike as a catalyst for future fundraising, with a core commitment to offering bursary placements as standard from next year onwards. Further details on application and eligibility for the scheme will be announced in summer 2026.
"Our gratitude to Mike for taking up such a super-human challenge is immeasurable," Tropman added, "and we look forward to cheering him on every step of the way."
Those wishing to support Mike Morgan’s extraordinary challenge for the Sherman Theatre can visit his crowdfunding page.
