Theatre fans will be thrilled to know that Michael Sheen’s critically acclaimed performance in The National Theatre’s NHS drama, Nye, is now free to stream on YouTube.
The renowned Welsh actor, who recently appeared in Amazon Prime’s A Very Royal Scandal, shines in this origin story of our National Healthcare System.
The play, which recently announced another run at the Wales Millennium Centre in 2025, follows the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan as he fought to create the NHS, which is timely given the government’s latest announcement that it will invest £1.57bn in new equipment and buildings, in a bid to increase appointments.
Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, the play delves into the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan with Sheen taking on the role of Nye in the joint production between the two venues.
In a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state. Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill.
Following the success of The National Theatre’s inaugural ‘Take Your Seats’ initiative in 2023 to mark its 60th Anniversary, it has also decided to make the epic Welsh fantasia free on its YouTube channel for a limited period.
The free stream is also available with Audio Description and British Sign Language.
Speaking on the release Sheen said:
“I can’t wait for audiences worldwide to watch this incredibly important show.
“It feels particularly appropriate for this play to be available for free as it follows the founder of the National Health Service, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan through his life and fight to make healthcare free at the point of access.
“The free stream is a brilliant opportunity for theatre lovers and skeptics alike to tune in, be inspired and learn something, too.”
Recorded live on the Olivier stage earlier this year, it will be available from 6pm (GMT) on 9 November to 11 November on the National Theatre YouTube channel for free. via the following link
[Lead image: Johan Persson]
