Emotive IVF drama earns critical acclaim for Falmouth writers

A play developed by two women from Falmouth has premiered at the Bristol Old Vic.

The production, A Child of Science, which stars Harry Potter's Tom Felton, was created by imPOSSIBLE Producing, a Cornwall-based company led by Gabby Vautier and Charlie Bunker.

The critically acclaimed play has already received a five-star review from The Times and has been hailed as "gripping" by The Telegraph.

Following its launch last week, the play has seen high ticket sales, with Bristol Old Vic reporting "overwhelming" audience responses.

The idea for the play, which narrates the creation of IVF, was conceived by Ms Vautier and her business partner Ms Bunker when they founded imPOSSIBLE Producing in 2020.

Ms Vautier said: "A Child of Science is about determination, dreams, hope, and courage.

"It’s a celebration of life.

"In 1978, Patrick Steptoe, Robert Edwards, and Jean Purdy changed the world as we know it, and I just knew that story had to be told."

Charlie Bunker and Gabby Vautier are the Falmouth-based duo behind A Child of Science (Image: imPOSSIBLE Productions)

The duo, despite facing rejection from numerous funding sources, invested their own finances into the development of the play alongside Ms Vautier's Bruntwood Prize-winning playwright husband, Gareth Farr.

The Bristol Old Vic ultimately became their collaborative, investment and producing partner.

The team that made this production a reality included many talented artists from the South West, many of whom are connected with imPOSSIBLE's Arts Council England-supported talent development program, The Island, run in Cornwall.

Charlotte Geeves, executive director of Bristol Old Vic, said: "The media and audience responses to A Child of Science have been overwhelming.

"Tickets are now selling fast and given that this is a globally significant story, we are proud to be part of the extended South West team that has brought it to life."

Charlie Bunker said: "This is exactly the type of story that Gabby and I have created imPOSSIBLE Producing to tell.

"But our graft doesn't stop here.

"Together with the Bristol Old Vic crew, we're on a mission to see A Child of Science on stages across the country, and across the globe."

A Child of Science will continue showing at Bristol Old Vic until July 7.