Nye
May 18 @ 19:30 - June 1 @ 22:30
£19.00Acting’s favourite Welshman playing politics’ favourite Welshman is not a huge leap for the theatrical imagination – especially as this particular actor has played a few real-life figures of history in his career – but that’s what we’re confronted with in Wales Millennium Centre and the National Theatre’s co-production of {Nye}, starring Michael Sheen. Port Talbot’s favourite son (well, one of them) Sheen plays Aneurin Bevan, affectionately known as Nye – Labour Member of Parliament for Ebbw Vale, deputy leader of the Labour Party, and Minister Of Labour & National Service. Most importantly, Bevan is remembered for his term as Minister Of Health, during which he became the father of Britain’s National Health Service, founded in 1948. From the south Wales mining town of Tredegar at the turn of the 20th century to creating the jewel in Britain’s crown, it’s a surprise that Bevan’s life hasn’t been dramatised before. Nye is being called “an epic Welsh fantasia”, as Bevan, facing the end of his life, looks back on it from a hospital bed, facing figures from his past like Clement Atlee and Winston Churchill. {Nye} is written by Olivier-nominated Welsh writer Tim Price (known for his TV work on {Y Pris}, {Switch} and {Doctor Who}). Its director, Rufus Norris, has also been nominated for an Olivier, and is also the National Theatre’s current director, though stepping down next year after a decade in the role. As a co-production from Wales Millennium Centre, {Nye} is one of the venue’s most prestigious events in its 20th anniversary year. On at 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Thurs 23, Sat 25 and Thurs 30 May, then Sat 1 June. No performances on Sun 19 or Sun 26 May. Tickets: £19-£102. words CHRIS WILLIAMS
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