Review: A CHILD OF SCIENCE, Bristol Old Vic

Photo credit: Helen Murray

A Child of Science is a fascinating, insightful and engaging retelling of a momentous medical breakthough as Steptoe, Edwards and Purdy developed the techniques to create “test tube” babies and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) that has benefited so many families around the world since its first successful deployment in 1978. It is told in a cinematic, episodic, fast paced narrative covering locations in London, Cambridge and Oldham from 1958 to that famous birth of Louise Brown. Like the marvellous play about the discovery of DNA, Photograph 51, this play explains the science and development of the technique in a clear and accessible way while still focusing on the personal stories behind it with power and emotion.

The story starts with a dramatic and shocking reminder of the horrors of backstreet abortions in the 1950’s by “butchers”, which spurred Patrick Steptoe to campaign for change in the techniques and bedside manner of dealing with gynaecological issues and ends with that caesarean section birth. Even though most of us know the outcome, the process of discovery over the twenty years is compelling and powerfully told by writer Graham Farr and director Matthew Dunster, both of whom reveal that they and their partners have benefited from the treatment and therefore bring personal insight to the tale, which shines through.

The storytelling is inventive and beautiful with many tiny cameo scenes flashing by to reveal each tiny step to discovery and a haunting underscore by Genevieve Dawson and Niamh Gaffney, with projected faces of a choir of volunteer singers, all of whom have had some relationship with IVF. There is almost a sense that these are the voices of the lost embryos who contributed so much to the development of the technique and the women who took part to make it happen.

However, what really makes the play impactful and moving is the writing and playing of the relationships between the main characters in the story. Jamie Glover conveys the caring and benevolent Patrick Steptoe who, with a steely determination, developed the laparoscopy technique essential for the success of the IVF, and yet deeply cared for the way his female patients were treated. He became widely seen as the pioneer of the process yet the play reveals that Robert Edwards’ (played by Tom Felton) obsessive endeavour to create life from an egg through to forming a blastocyst was the crucial breakthrough. The relationship between the two men is held together by the wonderful Jean Purdy (a lovely performance from Meg Bellamy) who plays vital roles in the breakthroughs.

Even more compelling is that we follow the story of Margaret (Adelle Leonce) and Trevor (Bobby Hirston) from their first meeting to her tenth and final IVF cycle as patient 38. They brilliantly capture the love and desire for a child, the heartbreak of not being able to conceive and desperation and tensions created by the IVF process. This gives the story real heart and emotional connection which reinforces the storytelling and significance of the breakthrough. It is also wonderfully contrasted with the attitudes of the medical profession at the time, religious leaders speaking out against it and the grubby sensationalist journalism that fuelled the public debate. It also reveals the contribution of Lillian Lincoln Howell, an American millionairess who funded the final stages when other support was cut off and insisted on remaining anonymous until her death in 2014.

There are moments of great humour like when Trevor is told he “just needs to come” to the hospital, moments that reveal the way women were seen in the era as when the journalist patronisingly says to Jean “Think it is great women working” and the shocking attitudes that prevail that describe the procedure as a “pandora’s box of destruction”. We can look back now and celebrate the pioneering work and impact it has had on so many lives while still acknowledging the heartbreak that childless couples must still feel.

This is a brilliantly written play. Imaginatively and slickly staged. Wonderfully acted by a cast of eleven in multiple roles. Educational, engaging and uplifting to the audience. A story with a Bristol connection (Lesley Brown came from Bristol and Louise still lives there) in the glorious historical venue of Bristol Old Vic, the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world. A play that deserves a wider audience and will surely transfer to the West End and beyond. A celebration of British medical invention and a reminder to all those undergoing IVF treatment that there is hope and that they are not alone.

This is a production that deserves all the plaudits it will surely gather.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Nick Wayne

A Child of Science plays at Bristol Old Vic until 6 July, with further info here.