Great people, geniuses, people who dare to defy a system, don’t always go on to become world renowned famous names. Sometimes it takes years for them to finally get the respect they deserve, due to what? Why, wilful ignorance, of course. 

Dr Semmelweis tells the tale of the damaged and radical soul Ignaz Semmelweis, portrayed by Mark Rylance. A man who made a dangerous discovery and sought out a solution that could save millions of lives, a solution that was only to apropos to the world’s current situation but as is too often the case, progress was stomped out and jeered at by men in positions of power. Centuries go by but the arrogance of men it seems, is always the greatest threat to progress. 

Tom Morris’ direction must be applauded. The stage is in a constant moving state, with acting, music and dancing weaving itself together so fluidly, it creates the perfect storytelling web. Every aspect of the show compliments the others perfectly, like ingredients to a fine dish; from the gut wrenching, dramatic music of Adrian Sutton, to the innovative and evocative choreography from Antonia Franceschi.

One of the evening’s highlights is the set and costume design from Ti Green, an absolute feast for the eyes in every way and perfect for the piece. One second you are in the biggest hospital in the world, the next second the theatre becomes, well, A THEATRE! 

The star of the show, it goes without saying, is Mark Rylance in the role of Ignaz Semmelweis. Rylance puts on a stellar performance and proves why he is one of the juggernauts of theatre. It is like watching someone play Hamlet and King Lear mixed into one, both tragic and heartbreaking , whilst still portraying moments of dry honest sentient comedy like only a performer of Rylance’s calibre can do. 

Shakespearean comparisons can be drawn because the writing from Stephen Brown (with Mark Rylance), at times, could have been plucked from the Jacobean area and no one would have batted an eyelid. My heart is full because certain parts of the text are so heightened that they become a soliloquy of sorts. A joy to watch, with the first act being particularly strong. 

Thalissa Teixeira brings a very mature and true performance to the role of young Maria Semmelweis, and Jackie Clune is intoxicatingly candid in the role of Nurse Anna Muller. 

There are also fantastic performances from the trio of Semmelweis’ friends portrayed by Enti Okoronkwo, Felix Hayes and Sandy Grierson, with each adding a perfect dynamic to the group. With Grierson’s character going from having the audience crying with laughter, to crying for very different reasons with a well honed mastery. 

The chorus of this show also need to be applauded for their dedication and commitment to the show. The dancers go from being expectant mothers to ghoulish spectres at the drop of a hat and, like the musicians, are a constant haunting presence on stage. 

We would highly recommend that any real theatre fan goes and sees this show. It’s daring and complex, just like the man’s story of which it tells. It’s safe to say that it will be a long while before I wash my hands of the message this show carries. 

True poetry in motion. 

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: James Edge

Dr Semmelweis plays at Bristol Old Vic until 12 February, with tickets available here.