Review of Nye

Olivier Theatre, NT Michael Sheen stars in this timely account of Aneurin Bevin's transformative life, culminating in the creation of the NHS. The narrative is centred on looking back from Nye's deathbed, fittingly set in an NHS hospital ward. In fact the hospital aroma permeates throughout, when it is even a nurse serving the drinks in the House of Commons when Nye first meets Jenny Lee. The play, by Tim Price, looks back at the different experiences that formed Nye Bevan, from his time in the pits and local council to the House of Commons and ultimately battling the doctors over NHS contracts. There are great performances throughout, none more so than Sheen, who brings forth the vulnerabilities of the man, as well as his explosive energy and passion - all done whilst wearing pyjamas. The character of Winston Churchill looms large (literally), played by Tony Jayawardena. So, there is the joust during the war, with Nye a constant and almost solitary critic of Churchill's performance. There are illuminating lines,such as when he accuses Churchill of helping create the conditions that brought the rise of fascism.The paralleling of Churchill and Hitler is a refreshingly original slant. Also, Churchill's virulent opposition to the creation of the NHS as a socialist construct. A criticism is that there could be a little too much Churchill? Sharon Small is excellent as the sparky Jenny Lee, looking back with best friend Archie Lush (Roger Evans), on the years with Nye. Supporting his career, whilst always somewhat in the shadow. In some ways, it was only after Nye's death in 1960, that Lee came more into her own, as Minister for Arts under Harold Wilson, helping create the Open University. The diminutive Attlee is well portrayed (Stephanie Jacob), shrewd and at times seemingly attached to his desk. The dialogue is superb throughout, with Attlee rationalising how he can have Bevan, Ernest Bevin and Herbert Morrison in the same Cabinet (note to Kier Starmer). The right /left struggle is typified in a battle between Morrison and Bevan over the Act creating the NHS - Morrison opposed and representing "the Labour Party." There is also plenty of humour, a memorable quip when Nye admits he'll have to break the doctor's union to secure the NHS. Questioned by Morrison, he says it'll be fine, they're middle class. Nye is a memorable and timely production brought together by director Rufus Norris. There is a growing momentum throughout the play, possibly a little slow in the first half. But it explodes in the second, culminating in the creation of the NHS. At this point there were a few tears in eyes. The production shows what an impact one socialist can have in shaping genuine change. Whilst celebrating a truly remarkable life, the play also offers a challenge to the politicians of today, as to how they will take forward the great legacy of the NHS. So many who have attempted to stand on the shoulders of Nye Bevan have come tumbling down. *Nye, a co-production between the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre, runs at the Olivier theatre till 11 May (www.nationaltheatre.org.uk). *There will be a live performance broadcast worldwide on 23 April marking 100th National Theatre Live title (www.nye.ntlive.com) *Nye transfers to Wales Millennium Centre from 18 May to 1 June 2024 (www.wmc.org.uk)