Exclusive
THE extraordinary untold story of one of the most important female politicians of the past century is to be told in a radical new play that reveals her crucial role in Westminster’s first-ever ‘power couple’.
Whilst husband Nye Bevan’s achievement in forming the NHS has secured its rightful place in history, the role of wife Jennie Lee has long escaped mainstream prominence.
At the age of 24, having left her Scottish mining village, Lee became Westminster’s youngest MP, even though, as a woman in 1929, she couldn’t vote herself.
Having first served under Harold Wilson she was appointed the first ever Minister for the Arts, was the founder of the Open University and helped save the National Youth Orchestra from extinction.
In 1970 the Labour MP was created a Baroness. She died in 1988.
Described as “tenacious, bold, and rebellious”, Lee cut her own unique path through history – even playing a suspected role in commissioning the infamous portrait that drove Winston Churchill to the point of fury.
The painting of Churchill by Graham Sutherland was commissioned as a birthday present by a parliamentary committee chaired by the then Baroness Lee of Asheridge.
But when it was unveiled publicly in 1954, Churchill described it as “a remarkable example of modern art” before expressing his fury at parliamentary aides.
The painting was burnt on a bonfire by Grace Hamblin, Lady Churchill’s secretary, who grew tired of hearing how much her boss detested it.
Despite being at odds with the war-time hero, Lee’s role in supercharging the arts was so loved by theatre-goers during the swinging 60s that she would be applauded whenever she took her seat in an auditorium.
Now her story is to be told in the play Jennie Lee by pioneering Yorkshire-theatre group Mikron – timed to coincide with the National Theatre show about her husband Nye, starring Michael Sheen.
The production penned by Lindsay Rodden, features original songs in Music Hall and 1920s Flappers-style, and audiences will witness Lee’s encounters with leading political figures including Wilson, Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Lindsay said: “Jennie was the first Minister for the Arts and founder of the Open University yet many people will never have heard of her work. It is incredible how she inspired and enabled so many.
“Having left her coal-mining family in Scotland she fought with every breath for the betterment of all our lives. She believed that every person deserved their share of the fruits of the earth – for wages, health, and housing, and for art and education too.
“Whilst her husband was the founder of the NHS we must now tell her story, which is certainly no footnote in someone else’s past.”
Artistic Director Marianne McNamara added: “Jennie’s story is remarkable. A working class woman in the 1920s, who despite her humble beginnings went on to achieve so much.
“She always fought for the betterment of everyone’s lives. Her name should be as well known as her husband, Nye.”
Jennie Lee premieres at Marsden Mechanics Hall on 5 April and will tour nationally throughout the summer.
For further information visit http://mikron.org.uk
