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.

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 to create the conditions that brought about the rise of fascism. To parallel Churchill with Hitler in this way is a refreshingly original slant. Also, we witness the reality of Churchill’s virulent opposition to the creation of the NHS as a “socialist construct.”

A criticism might be that there is 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 remaining somewhat in the shadows. 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 to create the Open University.

The diminutive Attlee is well portrayed by Stephanie Jacob as shrewd and at times seemingly attached to his desk.

The dialogue is superb throughout, and a high point is when Attlee rationalises how he can have Bevan, Ernest Bevin and Herbert Morrison in the same Cabinet (note to Keir Starmer).
 
The right/left struggle is typified in a battle between Morrison and Bevan over the Act creating the NHS - Morrison opposed it and represented this opposition as the position of “the Labour Party” (as opposed to a “socialist” party).

There is also plenty of humour, and a memorable quip comes when Nye admits he’ll have to break the doctors’ union to secure the NHS. Questioned by Morrison, he says it’ll be fine, they’re middle class.

There is a growing momentum throughout the play, that is a little slow in the first half but which explodes in the second, culminating in the creation of the NHS. At this point there were a few tears in eyes.

Nye is a memorable and timely production brought together by director Rufus Norris. 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.

Runs until May 11. Box Office: 020 3989 5455, nationaltheatre.org.uk