Darwin's Dilemma - a unique theatrical experience!
Schedule
Mon, 01 Sep, 2025 at 05:30 pm
UTC+01:00Location
University of Bristol Botanic Garden | Bristol, EN
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This is a ticketed event, with tickets on sale here https://wegottickets.com/BristolHumanists.Please ensure you select the time of the performance.
You are in the company of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. The day is 18th June 1858. Charles has just received a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace telling him about his ‘new’ theory of evolution by natural selection. This is a theory Charles developed more than 20 years earlier.
Should Charles agree to publish this theory, jointly with Alfred Russel Wallace, or should he remain silent?
Charles is forced into making a decision and asks Emma to accompany him on his daily afternoon walk to talk it over with her.
Emma is a devout Unitarian Christian and is concerned about how the publication will affect both their standing in society and in the eyes of God. Charles is an eminent Victorian ‘natural philosopher’, anxious that he will be cast out of his intellectual circles and fearing for the safety of both himself and his family.
‘On the Origin of Species’ was eventually published in 1859.
The performance explores the dilemma that Charles & Emma faced by witnessing their imagined conversations. Conceived in collaboration with Bristol Humanists and scripted by Jane Westhead, this theatrical walk takes place in Bristol Botanical Gardens.
The show will take place twice, with audience numbers limited to 30 per performance. Between the two performances, there will be a 30 minute question and answer session for both groups, with a panel of speakers including the director and senior horticulturist of the Botanical Gardens.
The cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and cakes.
Performance 1
17.30 - 18.15 - walking theatre
18.15 - 18.45 - Q&A, plus cafe open, provided by Chandos Deli
Performance 2
18.15 - 18.45 - Q&A plus cafe open (as above)
18.45 - 19.30 - walking theatre
Jane Westhead’s walking theatre shows, produced in collaboration with geologist, Angus Miller, are ‘Darwin in Edinburgh’ and ‘Hutton in Edinburgh’. These shows are now an annual feature of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her previous Edinburgh Fringe show 'Who Cares' was listed as one of the top 10 most unusual shows. Her Darwin and Hutton shows have been well received by audience and critics and regularly sell out.
This is a ticketed event, with tickets on sale here https://wegottickets.com/BristolHumanists .
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SELECT A TICKET FOR YOUR PREFERRED PERFORMANCE TIME.
There is a reduced rate for members of Bristol Humanists.
The event will take place whatever the weather as there are spaces undercover that will be used. Be prepared for walking round the gardens. Whilst it is level access and fully accessible,
flat shoes and rain gear are advised. Full details of the Botanical Gardens here https://botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/ Your ticket price includes entry to the Gardens.
Image above copyright Paul Hooper Designs & Maia Hooper
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Where is it happening?
University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
