Bristol Old Vic have announced the full cast for the world première of Dr Semmelweis, running from 20 January-12 February 2022.

Written by Stephen Brown and Mark Rylance, the cast includes Rylance (Ignaz Semmelweis), Jackie Clune (Anna Müller), Sandy Grierson (Jakob Kolletschka), Felix Hayes (Ferdinand von Hebra), Enyi Okoronkwo (Franz Arneth), Clemmie Sveaas (Lisa Elstein), Thalissa Teixeira (Maria Semmelweis), Alan Williams (Johann Klein) and Daniel York Loh (Karl von Rokitanksy), with dancers Roseanna Anderson, Joshua Ben-Tovim, Megan May Cameron, Megumi Eda, Suzy Halstead and Millie Thomas and musicians Haim Choi, Coco Inman, Kasia Ziminska and Shizuku Tatsuno, who play together as the Salomé Quartet. 

Confronted by the terrible death toll of childbed fever in 19th century Vienna, maverick Doctor Semmelweis makes a discovery that could save hundreds of thousands of new mothers. But when the medical establishment questions his methods, rejects his theory and doubts his sanity, the controversial surgeon finds that being a pioneer is not enough. 

Years later, he is haunted by the ghosts of the women he failed to save. Is it too late to convince the medical establishment to see the truth? And if he tries what will be the cost?

The piece is directed by Tom Morris, with set and costume design by Ti Green, lighting by Richard Howell, choreography by Antonia Franceschi, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Jon Nicholls.

Dr Semmelweis is one of three world première productions in Bristol Old Vic’s spring season, along with Ross Willis’ Wonder Boy and The Meaning of Zong, written by and starring Giles Terera.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.