Returning to the National Theatre from July 2025 is Nye, Tim Price’s epic Welsh fantasia charting the life of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan and his battle to create the NHS.

Playing in the Olivier theatre from 3 July to 16 August 2025 and playing at the Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre from 22 to 30 August 2025.

Who’s in the cast?

Michael Sheen (Under Milk Wood) returns to play Nye Bevan, directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island) in a co-production with Wales Millennium Centre.

Further casting to be announced.

Creative team

Director Rufus Norris leads a creative team including set designer Vicki Mortimer, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Paule Constable, co-choreographers Steven Hoggett and Jess Williams, composer Will Stuart , sound designer Donato Wharton, projection designer Jon Driscoll, revival co-director Francesca Goodridge, casting by Alastair Coomer CDG and Chloe Blake, dialect coach Patricia Logue, voice coaches Cathleen McCarron and Tamsin Newlands, consultant medical advisor Matt Morgan and associate lighting designer Lucy Adams.

What’s the show about?

From campaigning at the coalfield to leading the battle to create the NHS, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan is often referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister. Confronted with death, Nye’s deepest memories lead him on a mindbending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill.

Assisted performances

Captioned – Thursday 24 July – 7.30pm & Saturday 9 August – 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted – Tuesday 29 July – 7.30pm
Audio described – Saturday 26 July – 2pm & Friday 8 August – 7.30pm
Relaxed performance – Monday 4 August – 7.30pm