An exclusive first look at rehearsals for the hugely anticipated Nye, starring Michael Sheen, has been been released by The National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre.
Following sell-out shows and rave reviews, Nye returns to Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre this summer. Featuring Welsh legend Michael Sheen, Nye tells the story of Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, who helped to transform the lives of millions by founding the NHS. He became an inspirational pioneer who believed in creating a better quality of life for the less fortunate.
From one Welsh legend to another, Sheen steps back into Nye’s shoes for the final time – telling the vibrant story of the life of a man who made free healthcare a reality. Written by Tim Price and co-directed by Rufus Norris and Francesca Goodridge, Nye’s memories take centre stage – from his early days as a coal miner’s son in Tredegar, to the political clashes in Westminster that changed the future of Britain. Along the way, the audience encounters friends, foes, family and revolutionary speeches in a moving show which is equally full of humour and spirit.
As rehearsals for the show are in full swing, photos exclusively show Sheen and the cast of performers gearing up. The full cast list includes, Gabriel Akamo, Remy Beasley, Matthew Bulgo, Jacob Coleman, Ross Foley, Jon Furlong, Daniel Hawksford, Jason Hughes, Stephanie Jacob, Kezrena James, Tony Jayawardena, Michael Keane, Nicholas Khan, Rebecca Killick, Mark Matthews, Joshua McCord, Hannah McPake, Rhodri Meilir, Ashley Mejri, Lee Mengo, Mali O’Donnell, Sara Otung, Michael Sheen, Sharon Small (as Jennie Lee), and Gareth Tempest.
Michael Sheen
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 mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill in an epic Welsh fantasia.
Sharon Small.
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, Chloe Blake and Martin Poile CDG, dialect coach Alice White, voice coach Cathleen McCarron, consultant medical advisor Matt Morgan, associate set designer Matt Hellyer, associate lighting designer Lucy Adams, associate projection designer Gemma Carrington and staff director Jenny Davies.
Playing in the National Theatre’s 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.
Wales Millennium Centre, Donald Gordon Theatre, Cardiff
22 – 30 August 2025
Tickets from £20 – available now at wmc.org.uk
For information on assisted performances, visit Wales Millennium Centre website.
A National Theatre co-production with Wales Millennium Centre.
Main image Sharon Small and Michael Sheen
Images by Johann Persson