The following edition of the text was used in the creation of this study guide: Price, Tim. Nye. Methuen Drama, Bloomsbury, 2024. Kindle AZW file.

In 1960, Nye Bevan, a Labour politician, is hospitalized at the NHS Royal Free Hospital Hampstead. Nye’s wife Jennie and friend Archie await news of his condition after stomach ulcer surgery. Nye wakes disoriented, admiring the hospital he helped build. Dr. Dain updates him on his health, while a nurse shares how Nye inspired her sister to become a nurse. Nye drifts back to sleep.

The play unfolds in the hospital, with staff and patients reenacting scenes from Nye’s life as he recalls them in a drug-induced haze. In 1925, at the Bevan home in Wales, Arianwen criticizes Nye for neglecting their sick father, who suffers from black lung, a miner’s disease. Nye defends his union work, arguing it seeks justice for miners like their father. In 1908, in Nye’s elementary school, his teacher, Mr. Orchard, threatens to cane him for stuttering. Nye’s friend Archie helps him read, and when Orchard tries to cane Archie, Nye and other students protect him by stacking their hands. The children rebel, holding Orchard down and planning to report him.

Back in 1960, Jennie and Archie argue about whether Nye should be told he is dying. Archie believes he should know, while Jennie thinks it would affect his quality of life. Jennie reflects on how her own political career was secondary to supporting Nye’s career.

In 1908, 11-year-old Nye is introduced to the Tredegar Workingman’s Library by Archie and is amazed that books are free to borrow. He realizes he can expand his vocabulary to help manage his stutter. In 1921, also at the library, Nye and his friends, blacklisted by the local mining company, discuss how the company controls key community boards. Nye proposes workers should organize to gain representation and take control by mastering the rules. The scene transitions to a county council meeting, where Nye and his friends, now councillors, outmaneuver the opposition using their knowledge of regulations. Nye is elected chairman and appoints his group to key positions. As community members voice concerns, it builds to a climax, ending with Nye’s election as MP for Ebbw Vale.

In the Houses of Parliament in 1929, Jennie gives her maiden speech as an MP, criticizing the budget. Nye aggressively interjects against Prime Minister Chamberlain, offending MPs and refusing to withdraw his comments. He threatens Chamberlain and Churchill, loses control, and is left ranting alone. Later, in the House of Commons bar, Nye introduces himself to Jennie, praising her speech. Initially guarded, she warms to him and agrees to let him walk her home.

In 1960, Jennie and Archie discuss Jennie and Nye’s marriage, acknowledging their affairs. Jennie recalls her miscarriage and infertility. Nye’s condition worsens, and he is moved to the high dependency ward.

In a scene covering the years 1938-1942, Nye fiercely criticizes Chamberlain’s appeasement of Hitler and later attacks Churchill’s wartime policies, facing accusations of being unpatriotic for criticizing the government when the country is at war. Labour leader Clement Attlee distances the party from Nye’s views.

In 1925, Arianwen and Nye argue over family versus activism. She accuses him of neglecting his dying father while championing workers' rights and exploiting her like the mining companies exploit laborers. Nye holds his dying father, promising to take care of everyone. David dies.

In 1907 at Ty Trist mine, Nye’s father teaches him about coal mining, explaining that skill lies in identifying the right spot to strike for maximum impact.

In 1941, at the Houses of Parliament tearooms, Winston Churchill approaches Nye, his main critic during the war. Churchill warns that Nye’s opposition has made him unpopular and asks for his support in an upcoming confidence vote to present a united front to the Americans. Despite past no-confidence motions against Churchill, Nye ultimately votes in his favor.

Between 1942 and 1945 at 10 Downing Street, civil servants update Nye on key events: the war ends, Labour wins a landslide victory, and new Prime Minister Clement Attlee offers Nye the role of Minister for Health and Housing. Nye suspects Attlee wants him to fail, but Attlee insists he is the best person for the job. Nye’s new role is represented by urgent public concerns over healthcare.

In 1960 at the Royal Free Hospital, Nye lies unconscious with an oxygen mask. Jennie and Archie argue over their roles in his life, accusing each other of selfishness and ambition. A nurse intervenes, noting that they must be important to Nye since they are the only ones by his side.

In 1946, at the Cabinet Office, Herbert Morrison pressures Nye to reveal his health bill plans. Nye outlines the National Health Service (NHS), inspired by Tredegar’s Medical Aid Society, ensuring universal, free healthcare. Morrison warns that without British Medical Association (BMA) support, the plan will fail. The Cabinet votes in favor. Nye negotiates with the BMA, refusing initial compromises. Doctors oppose state control, fearing it will damage doctor-patient relationships. Nye argues that financial barriers interfere more. Churchill publicly criticizes the bill, and Conservatives demand Nye’s resignation. Nye announces the NHS will launch on July 5, 1948, regardless of doctor support. Churchill encourages a doctors' strike. Nye compromises, allowing doctors to work privately, choose their representatives, and receive high salaries. One by one, doctors join the NHS. Nye proclaims its creation.

In 1960, at the hospital, Nye wakes and speaks with Dr. Dain, realizing he is hallucinating when the doctor pulls coal from his body. Accepting he is dying, Nye fades into unconsciousness. Jennie and Archie reconcile and comfort Nye as he passes. NHS workers symbolically carry him toward death, placing him beside his father, who holds a miner’s lamp. Nye, unafraid, asks, “Did I look after everyone?” (114) The play ends with statistics highlighting the NHS’s success in reducing mortality and improving public health.