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Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen on accessible theatre

Michael Sheen plays Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan in the National Theatre production of the play Nye, written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris. The play tells the story of Bevan, a Welsh Labour Party politician who brought about the creation of the National Health Service and transformed Britain’s welfare state. From his hospital bed at the end of his life, we journey with Nye as he relives surreal, moving and often very funny memories of his remarkable life and career as a miner, union official, MP, husband and friend.

The play is at the Olivier Theatre at the National Theatre in London until 11 May 2024, then at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales from 18 May – 11 June. Nye is also the 100th National Theatre Live play, which will be broadcast live to cinemas across the world on 23 April and with encore showings afterward; more details at nye.ntlive.com.

Michael Sheen and Dame Helen Mirren (who Michael worked with on the film The Queen) were interviewed for ITV News about the play, National Theatre Live and the importance of making live theatre accessible for as many people as possible. Michael talks about the timeliness of the play when the NHS is experiencing difficulties, and mentions how 1400 NHS workers will be given free tickets in what’s known as a Blue Light event.

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