Skip to main content
The NHS case for a left-wing Labour party
PAUL DONOVAN salutes a timely dramatisation of Aneurin Bevin's life, and the political struggle on the left to create the NHS
nye

Nye
Olivier Theatre, NT

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 future Labour MP and minister 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.

Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Liberation webinar, 30 November2024, 6pm (UK)
More from this author
retrograde
Theatre review / 21 March 2025
21 March 2025
PAUL DONOVAN applauds a timely play that explores the resonances of McCarthyite nationalism in today’s US
Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes after the Premier League
Men's Football / 12 March 2025
12 March 2025
Men’s football / 16 February 2025
16 February 2025
pope
Book Review / 13 February 2025
13 February 2025
PAUL DONOVAN is fascinated by an account of the long history of Catholic Church’s involvement in espionage
Similar stories
odyssey
Theatre review / 21 October 2024
21 October 2024
DAVID NICHOLSON is disappointed that an ambitious telling of the strike from a Welsh perspective disregards the collective struggle
wrath
Theatre review / 1 August 2024
1 August 2024
PAUL DONOVAN admires a brave attempt to stage John Steinbeck’s epic tale of poverty-stricken 1930s America
housing
Aw That / 11 May 2024
11 May 2024
While revisiting his old postie haunts of Harhill, MATT KERR is reminded that Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan did build, post-WWII, something that has stood the test of time. Very little else has, if we are honest