A theatre production starring Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance will finally open its doors in a world-first show launching in Bristol this week.
Dr Semmelweis was initially intended as the centrepiece of Bristol Old Vic’s 2020 programme, but the theatre was forced to cancel rehearsals due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The production is fronted by internationally acclaimed actor Mark Rylance of Wolf Hall and Jerusalem fame, who is known for his role in Bridge of Spies alongside Tom Hanks, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2015. More recently, the 62-year-old portrayed billionaire Peter Isherwell in Netflix hit Don't Look Up.
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Rylance, who conceived the original idea for the play, co-wrote the story with Stephen Brown to create this compelling world premiere production alongside director Tom Morris.
Speaking on his love of the city after the postponed performances back in 2020, the acclaimed stage actor said: "I have always enjoyed being in the audience at the beautiful Bristol Old Vic and spent many enjoyable days and nights in Bristol while filming Wolf Hall or visiting friends.”
Mr Morris initially said the story was “too topical to cancel” after the production ground to an abrupt halt back in May 2020 as the spread of Covid continued across the UK.
The play observes maverick doctor Ignaz Semmelweis (Rylance), a nineteenth-century physician who discovered the life-saving benefits of handwashing in the Vienna General Hospital in 1847.
His theories were mocked by the medical establishment at the time, who scoffed at the suggestion of doctors infecting their patients - and Mr Rylance’s character is tormented by the ghosts of the mothers he failed to save.
Dr Semmelweis has since gained posthumous recognition across the world for his findings. At the beginning of the pandemic, handwashing was one of the key guidance policies from health officials to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mr Rylance is joined on stage by cast members Jackie Clune, Sandy Grierson, Felix Hayes, Enyi Okoronkwo, Clemmie Sveaas, Thalissa Teixeira, Alan Williams and Daniel York Loh.
Rehearsals for the production began at the end of November 2021 in preparation for this week’s production that will run from Thursday (January 20) until Saturday, February 12 at the Bristol Old Vic.
Tickets to Dr Semmelweis are extremely limited. Bristol OId Vic offers a waiting list for returned tickets.
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