Tom Felton to star in premiere of new play A Child of Science at Bristol Old Vic

Tom Felton will star in the world premiere of the Bruntwood Prize-winning writer Gareth Farr’s new play A Child of Science.

The production will run from 5 June – 6 July 2023 at Bristol Old Vic.

Directed by Matthew Dunster (2.22: A Ghost Story) with cast includes Tom Felton (Harry Potter), A Child Of Science charts the incredible story of scientific pioneers Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards and Jean Purdy, and the army of women from across the UK whose immense bravery helped them achieve the impossible – to create human life in vitro (IVF).

In 1978, Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards, and Jean Purdy changed the world as we know it – and most people don’t even know their names.

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 in the last forty years.

The production has set design by Anna Fleischle, costume and associate design by Angelica Rush, lighting design by Sally Ferguson, sound design by Holly Khan, composition Genevieve Dawson, associate direction by Alix Harris.

Speaking ahead of the launch, director Matthew Dunster said: “My triplets are the result of IVF. And I’m from Oldham where the first IVF baby was delivered. So the story of this miracle means a great deal to me.

“Over the last few years, I’ve watched Gareth put this beautiful story together, about the brave, anonymous women of my home town, and the three medical giants, Purdy, Steptoe and Edwards, that gave so many of us hope. I had to direct this wonderful new play and I’m honoured to have the opportunity.”

The show as announced today to complete Nancy Medina’s first year as Artistic Director at Bristol Old Vic.

The season will also feature London transfers of The Glass Menagerie and It’s A Motherf**king Pleasure.

For more information and tickets, visit bristololdvic.org.uk