I am a great fan of Michael Sheen. I’m not ashamed to say that I booked the show for him. It’s a pretty safe bet: Michael Sheen in a character role of a trailblazing historical figure… he’s always going to nail it.

And Sheen was perfect for the role of Aneurin Bevan. There was a genuine conviction to his socialist cause — I really did believe that a sledgehammer blow was going to be struck to radically transform our health system on July 5th…if only it were the case in 2024.

You come for Sheen…and you stay for the acute social commentary still startlingly pertinent to our time. When Sheen eloquently suggests that the true purpose of the national health service is to give those in ill-health their ‘dignity’, we cannot help think of those poor people let down by the health system today: left to die in hospital corridors, or suffer at the hands of fate due to medical negligence.

There is a fascinating political history to be learned through Price’s writing: who’d have thought that Winston Churchill -hero of the nation- had ardently opposed the proposal to gain political favour with the steadfast doctors? Bevan’s art of negotiation is resilient despite vocal opposition from his own party. The ward staff transforming through the medium of hallucinatory dreams into Churchill, Attlee and Herbert Morrison is clever and offers amusing visuals.

Entertainment ★★★★☆

A somewhat slow first 15 minutes is necessary to appreciate the mountainous obstacles Bevan faces in his early life; from poverty to speech impediments in his formative years, we discover where Nye’s drive and determination for a cause, and ultimate ability to find a way round the impossible had equipped him for the poison chalice of health minister, and creation of the NHS that many did not want.

Star Power ★★★★★

Sheen is perfect as Aneurin Bevan as you would expect. There are some surprise highlights too – such as Sheen channelling his inner Judy Garland singing ‘Get Happy’ in Act One,  as well as impishly trotting around the floor as a fawn in a submissive attempt to woo his future wife. It is difficult to imagine anyone else playing this role with the same determination and charm.

Value ★★★★☆

My two director’s seats that became available nearer to the date came in at £100 each. I did not feel short-changed at all despite this being pricey for a play. Readers of my blog will know my feelings about play pricing equalling and sometimes exceeding musical theatre tickets, for which there is an orchestra to pay for. However, to see Sheen in the flesh play this part, I believe it was worth it. I would heartily recommend you to book a cinema ticket at event prices to see Nye broadcast to screens as part of NT: Live.