Review: NYE, National Theatre
Photo credit: Johan Persson
First gracing the stage at the National Theatre last year, Nye sold out the Olivier, and was then broadcast to cinemas across the country as part of NT Live Season. Michael Sheen has now returned to the role of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan for a limited run at The National and Wales Millennium Centre. This biographical piece focuses on the life and work of the driving force behind the creation of National Health Service, a divisive politician and a dogmatic personality.
Tim Price’s play introduces us to Nye Bevan at the end of his life, in hospital with his wife and his closest friend at his bedside. He is in the recovery ward after having surgery to remove a large stomach ulcer, but the smiles of his wife and the medical staff are a little too forced – all is not well. Given morphine to deal with the intense pain, Bevan starts to relive key episodes from his life, which began in Tredegar, a mining town in Wales. Through Nye’s early experiences at school, discovering the power of the library and the forging of lifelong friendships, we come to understand the foundations of what made him such a staunch advocate for better opportunities for the working classes.
Michael Sheen gives a truly exceptional performance as Aneurin Bevan, displaying incredible range as a wonderfully innocent child, an angry out of work young man desperate for change, and a forceful, single-minded government minister - all while dressed only in a pair of stripy pyjamas. We see moments of cheek and charm as he woos his wife, and observe fear and desperation as he watches his father die from black lung, a condition that killed many coalminers, and is credited as part of the reason Bevan became so dedicated to improving the walfare standards of the nation. Sheen’s portrayal has depth, humour and heart, and is more than deserving of the standing ovation it earns him.
Nye’s wife Jennie Lee was a fascinating woman in her own right, and Sharon Small artfully embodies the fierce, courageous politician and grieving spouse. There are other very strong performances throughout, from Jason Hughes as Bevan’s friend and confidant Archie, Kezrena James playing Nye’s sister Arianwen, and Tony Jayawardena as Winston Churchill. All are supported by a wonderful ensemble cast, who employ physicality and many costume changes to move the piece along.
Vicki Mortimer’s clinical set design makes excellent use of the Olivier’s large playing space, with hospital style curtains used to great effect, not only sectioning the stage, but also being used as screens for Jon Driscoll’s clever projection design, which adds a modern relevance to the 1960’s ‘present day’ that the audience finds themselves in at Bevan’s hospital bedside. Paule Constable’s lighting design gently transports us between memory and reality, past and present, life and death, while bringing colour and vibrancy to some of the more humorous and uplifting moments of the show.
A thought provoking and relevant piece, which will evoke laughter as well as tears, Nye is a timely reminder of the importance of the NHS, and how lucky we are to have such a healthcare system in place in the UK.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
