Nye

Nye

Olivier Theatre (National Theatre)

  • Opens: Wednesday, 2 July 2025 -
    Booking until: Friday, 15 August 2025
  • Running time: 2hr 40min. Incl. 1 Interval.
Nye description

Michael Sheen stars as Labour Party hero and NHS founder Nye Bevan in a major new play, Nye, written by Tim Price for the National Theatre. Don’t miss this ‘epic Welsh fantasia’ about the pioneering founder of the NHS, to whom we all owe so much.

Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan was a hero in so many ways, a dyed-in-the-wool socialist who put people before profit. This is his life story, told as he approached death, starring the acclaimed, multi-award-winning stage, TV and movie actor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, The Queen, Good Omens).

Written by Tim Price (Teh Internet is Serious Business), Nye whisks audiences away on a spectacular and often surreal trek through the life, times and legacy of the man who changed Britain’s welfare state for the better and improved healthcare for countless millions of us since his death in 1960, praised as the most civilised step this country has ever taken. The production is directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island) and this is a co-production with Wales Millennium Centre.

The set design is by Vicki Mortime and the costume design by Kinnetia Isidore. Lighting design is by Paule Constable, co-choreography by Steven Hoggett and Jess Willams, and composition by Will Stuart. The sound design is by Donato Wharton, projection design by Jon Driscoll, company voice work Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, and the staff director is Francesca Goodridge. The associate set designer is Matt Hellyer, dialect coach Patricia Logue and casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Chloe Blake.

Nye is a dazzling celebration of the life and legacy of Bevan, and it is back at the Olivier Theatre after a sell-out run. Not to be missed, this is a play that’ll stick in your mind for years to come.

Playing at Olivier Theatre (National Theatre)

South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB (venue info)

Olivier Theatre (National Theatre) Directions

Important information

Please note that Michael Sheen will not perform at every show. Check the calendar for specifics before booking.


This production takes place in a hospital setting and includes references to medical conditions and procedures throughout. It contains strobe effect lighting, haze and the use of strong language.

South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast
South Bank, London, SE1 9PX GB Nye Cast