Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 6, 2026

Never So Good

Never So Good is a 2008 play by Howard Brenton, which portrays the life and career of Harold Macmillan, a 20th-century Conservative British politician who served as Prime Minister (1957–1963). It was first performed in the Lyttelton auditorium of the National Theatre, London, on 26 March 2008; previews began on 17 March 2008.

Last revised
Jul 6, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
370 w
Citations
7
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Never So Good
Original languageEnglish
Written byHoward Brenton
SubjectLife and career of British politician Harold Macmillan
Premiere
Date26 March 2008 (2008-03-26)
PlaceNational Theatre, London
Official website

Never So Good is a 2008 play by Howard Brenton, which portrays the life and career of Harold Macmillan, a 20th-century Conservative British politician who served as Prime Minister (1957–1963).12 It was first performed in the Lyttelton auditorium of the National Theatre, London, on 26 March 2008; previews began on 17 March 2008.3

The play is divided into four acts, covering Macmillan's early life and military experience in World War I; his involvement in British politics during the descent into World War II; the Suez Crisis, during which he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer; and his service as Prime Minister, during which the reputation of his government was severely damaged by the Profumo affair. Macmillan's younger self remains with him, providing mocking commentary.4

The National Theatre production was directed by Howard Davies.5 The cast included Jeremy Irons as Harold Macmillan, Anthony Calf as Anthony Eden, Pip Carter as young Harold Macmillan, Anna Carteret as Nellie Macmillan, Anna Chancellor as Dorothy Macmillan and Ian McNeice as Winston Churchill, whom he would later play in several episodes of Doctor Who.67

References

References

  1. "A good look at politics". Evening Standard. 27 March 2008.
  2. "History of Harold Macmillan - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk.
  3. "National Theatre : Productions : Never So Good". 12 May 2008. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008.
  4. "Never So Good - Drama Online". www.dramaonlinelibrary.com.
  5. "First Night: Never So Good, National Theatre, London". The Independent. 27 March 2008. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  6. Hemming, Sarah (27 March 2008). "Never So Good, Lyttelton, National Theatre, London". Financial Times.
  7. "How one historical Doctor Who character ALMOST made it back for the new series". Radio Times.
External links