A Child of Science
By Gareth Farr | Directed by Matthew Dunster | Featuring Tom FeltonIn 1978, Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards, and Jean Purdy changed the world as we know it – and most people don’t even know their names.
Bruntwood Prize-winning writer (Britannia Waves the Rules) Gareth Farr’s brilliant new play tells their pioneering story, and those of the army of women from all over the UK whose immense bravery helped them achieve the impossible – to create human life in vitro.
A Child of Science charts the incredible events that led to one of the most remarkable medical breakthroughs of our time: the birth of a baby girl and the creation of IVF, a procedure which has supported the birth of over 12 million babies worldwide over the last 45 years.
Directed by the highly acclaimed West End director Matthew Dunster (Hangmen, 2:22 A Ghost Story, Shirley Valentine) and featuring the award-winning Tom Felton (Harry Potter), A Child of Science is about determination, dreams, hope, and courage. It’s a celebration of life.
Featuring:
Tom Felton
Gritty, well researched... a real tour de force
WhatsOnStage on Britannia Waves the Rules
A Child of Science is a fictionalised account of the true story of the events that led to the first ‘test-tube’ birth of a baby and the invention of IVF. The play is based on research and interviews over many years with embryologists and fertility doctors, some of whom worked closely with Bob Edwards, as well as those whose lives were affected by and enabled by those events. It features characters inspired by real-life individuals, and some entirely imagined by the writer.
Please note that we cannot guarantee the appearance of specific performers. Cast members’ performance schedules are subject to change, including unavailability, holidays or illness.
Artwork by Gabby Vautier | Tom Felton by Joseph Sinclair
Never been to Bristol Old Vic before?
There are 100 FREE TICKETS available for the Preview performances of A Child of Science for newcomers to the theatre.
Simply make an account, enter the promo code BOVNEWTIX100, and your ticket price will be taken off at checkout!
SEASON TICKET OFFER 🎟️
See it all from the best seats in the house and at a big saving! Book 3 or more shows in a single transaction and benefit from our Season Ticket Offer*. The more you see, the more you save… Enjoy a discount of up to 20% (or 35% if you’re a Member).
| 3 shows | 4+ shows | 5+ shows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Everyone | 15% | 20% | |
| Orange & Thunder Members | 20% | 25% | |
| Lavender Members | 25% | 30% | 35% |
*Shows included: Arabian Nights, Four Seasons, Starter for Ten, The Glass Menagerie, A Child of Science and King Arthur. Discount available on Standard ticket types only. All tickets must be purchased in the same transaction and discount will display in the checkout before completing payment. Offer applies only to events named above. Subject to availability. We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any time.
Gritty, well researched... a real tour de force
WhatsOnStage on Britannia Waves the Rules
Dates & Times
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