Sheen to play Welsh founder of NHS Aneurin Bevan in new production

Nye, by Welsh playwright Tim Price, will open in February 2024 at the National Theatre in London and in May at Wales’ Millennium Centre tells the story of one of the most influential political and social figures in Wales.

Directed by the National’s artistic director Rufus Norris, 54-year-old Sheen will play one of his lifelong heroes in Bevan, the former coal miner from Tredegar who transformed the UK’s welfare state, 75 years ago.

“To bring the story to Nye Bevan’s home in Wales feels very special and an appropriate way to further honour his legacy through this production,” said Norris.

“After the turmoil of recent years, we all appreciate how vital the NHS is. The play will illuminate the life of its founder and celebrate its centrality within British life”.

Sheen has long been an advocator of Bevan, his vision of the NHS and the beliefs that he stood for speaking in numerous public events in the last decade.

“This was a man who had no fear in standing up for what he believed in, and he made no bones about how he felt,” enthused Sheen.

“It was long-term, it was far-reaching. Visionary in its scope and revolutionary in its effect. He had cast-iron integrity and a raging passion,”

Graeme Farrow, Wales Millennium Centre’s Artistic Director, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the National Theatre again, bringing the story of this Welsh radical reformer to audiences a mere stone’s throw from the Valleys communities which shaped Nye Bevan and his vision.

“In this new play by Tim Price we welcome Michael Sheen to perform on home soil once again.

“A Welsh icon of social change, played by a Welsh icon of stage and screen, under our iconic Welsh roof – this will be an epic experience with deep resonance for audiences next year.”

Tickets for Nye will be on public sale from Friday, October 27, with Wales Millennium Centre members able to skip the queues to secure their tickets days before public release. 

[Lead image: Press Association]