When Darwin was stumped for an answer why certain species were the way they were, the advice given to him was - “you should ask Wallace”. A 45 minute performance which focuses on the aspects of Alfred Russel Wallace's inspirational character that led him to the Theory of Evolution by natural selection.
 
The play tells the story of Alfred Russel Wallace (1823 -1913), a Victorian naturalist, who was born in Wales, and who discovered the theory of evolution, and then shared the idea with Charles Darwin... and as they say the rest is history. This often overlooked Welsh Victorian scientist, who’s curiosity as to why there are so many different varieties of species, was ignited during his formative years in Usk and Neath, and would later find the answer to the ‘mystery of all mysteries’. His great findings would compel Darwin to publish his seminal work on the origin of species. The play takes us through his life as a young boy growing up in Wales to embarking on epic adventures to the Amazon and Malay Archipelago where he discovers the theory of evolution.

Image of Alfred Russel Wallace in waistcoat and white trousers, with a black tailcoat, hat and round glasses looking to the side. Blurred colours are visible in background.

This production toured to:

Techniquest, Cardiff Bay

Gwyn Hall, Neath

Swansea Museum

Talbot Campus

National Botanic Gardens of Wales

Venue 13, Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Ancestors Trail

National Museum of Wales, Cardiff

Hertford Theatre

 

Cast
Ioan Hefin
Alfred Russel Wallace
A fabulous production that captivated the minds of its year 7 audience. Many came back the next day with questions on Alfred Russel Wallace both from the production and having researched his career overnight.
St Josephs Roman Catholic High School
Production
Geinor Styles
Writer & Director
Kitty Callister
Designer
Ethan Forde
Video & Sound Design
Jak Poore
Composer

To view more photographs of this production - click here