The Wider Earth
The Wider Earth
BEFORE DARWIN CHANGED THE WORLD, ONE VOYAGE CHANGED HIS LIFE.
A new theatre in the Jerwood Gallery at the Natural History Museum will be unveiled for the European premiere of award-winning drama The Wider Earth. The play, about the story of a young Charles Darwin, will then run for a limited season.
Join the 22-year-old Darwin on HMS Beagle's daring voyage to the far side of the world, and discover the gripping story behind one of the most important discoveries in history.
The Wider Earth features a cast of seven, remarkable puppetry, an original score and cinematic animations to bring to life uncharted landscapes in the theatrical event of 2018.
This is a partnership project between Trish Wadley Productions, Dead Puppet Society and the Natural History Museum.
- Duration
Act I: 55 minutes
Interval: 20 minutes
Act II: 55 minutes
- Good To Know
By Tube
The nearest Tube station is South Kensington on the District, Piccadilly and Circle lines. The station is approximately five minutes’ walk from the Museum's Exhibition Road entrance.
Gloucester Road station also services the above Tube lines and is approximately 5 minutes' walk from the Queen's Gate entrance.
By bus
Routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop close to the Museum.
By bicycle
There are cycle racks on Exhibition Road. The nearest Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations are outside our Exhibition Road entrance and on Thurloe Place, near South Kensington Tube station.
How to get into The Wider Earth
The Museum has three entrances, on Cromwell Road or Exhibition Road for matinees. For evening performances, patrons must enter the museum via the Queen’s Gate entrance only.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
There is step free access to the venue for all matinee performances, and a lift available for evenings.
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds are available after purchase.
- General Conditions
There are designated 'latecomer points' during both Acts of The Wider Earth. Latecomers and readmission may involve a wait.
- Suitable For Children
The show is recommended for 10 years and over, however the puppetry and visual elements will appeal to younger people, but some of the Scientific content may go above their heads.
- Please note this production contains strobe lighting and loud noises.
- Where Do I Go
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
Kensington
London
SW7 5BD
Reviews
Maggie
Feb 22, 2019
The stage set was clever but depended on the audience being able to see the set. The front rows were blocked by the high fitting which changes to make the Ship, the rocks etc but also blocked the background scene. Obviously the new from the raked seats at the back.
Charles and Ema
Feb 10, 2019
This was one of the most creative, resourceful and breathtaking plays we have seen. The acting created 3 dimensional characters that you could imagine and it was a joy too see young Darwin portrayed as curious and cheeky. The revolving stage was an ingenius way of portraying different scenes on a small stage without it feeling cramped. The puppetry was fascinating and beautiful Would reccomend it to anyone!!
Stephen Barnard
Feb 9, 2019
A very magical, and ingenious show. Very clever use of a simple set, that revolves and becomes different spaces. The back projections are inspired, and the whole evening a visual delight. Stunning animal and bird puppets, operated by actors who obviously have an affinity with them. A fast moving story with many dimensions, and very well acted with a competent cast. If you want to feel inspired, and uplifted it's definitely a show to see. For me it was enhanced by having a mostly adult audience. A perfect evening. One word of advise.....The tickets that I purchased didn't tell you that the entrance to the theatre is not at the main museum entrance. You may need to allow extra time to find the venue.
Victoria
Jan 26, 2019
I absolutely loved every minute... an amazing experience and beautifully crafted. I don’t want to spoil any part of this for anyone who gets to see the performance so won’t say too much...
john
Jan 25, 2019
excellent
Duncan
Jan 20, 2019
Well acted dramatisation of HMS Beagle with ingenious animal puppetry.
susan king
Jan 11, 2019
Excellant
PC
Dec 28, 2018
Such a clever production, a simple stage set, but what amazing effects! Beautiful puppetry and so thought provoking. We learned so much and have talked about it constantly.
Erica
Dec 10, 2018
It was a treat like no other. We took our family ages ranging from 72 to 8 years. We were all entranced by the setting, the ideas, and the visual effects. Well worth booking.
Eva
Dec 9, 2018
We learnt a lot about Darwin's life. Really original play.
K
Dec 1, 2018
Saw the advert via social media so decided to book tickets. The show was definitely not what we expected. Part screen but mainly acting and amazing puppetry.. Show was 2hrs with interval Our seats had fine view just bring a cushion as not very comfortable.
Peter from oop North
Nov 24, 2018
A brave effort to relate Darwin's epic voyage and discoveries, entranced with romance. Good ensemble playing and wonderful sound and visual effects including remarkable puppetry. But the story-line was somtimes obscure and at other times subsumed to the sound effects and, for me, but not my companion, the "rock" structure was over dominating, hiding the fantastic visuals behind and occasionally reducing the cast to clambering monkeys (or perhaps that was symbolic!). We loved the theatre as a new performance space and look forward to the next presentation.
George Russell
Nov 3, 2018
Remarkable story and great puppetry. Great cast and acting.
ABC
Nov 2, 2018
Seats in front rows are unfortunately not the best as the screen in the back which is used often as backdrop etc. is obscured by the huge moving prop thing in the middle. The puppets weren't too bad but nowhere near as impressive as the horse in The War Horsell but nevertheless a good story well told and acted, making good use of limited number of cast and space on stage.
Martin Newlan
Oct 26, 2018
The Wider Earth is, on the face of it, a serious story about science and Creation and I wondered if we should have taken six and eight year old granddaughters. They loved it! They particularly liked the puppet wildlife and the amazing back projections. It is an inspired and inspiring play about science, and we thought it was marvellous.
June
Oct 25, 2018
Amazing.
Mimi Ker
Oct 25, 2018
We were overwhelmed from the start to the end of the matinee performance. The set designs and animation were amazing coupled with an outstanding performance. Consideration should be given to taking the show abroad as it’s is so well done.
Kate
Oct 9, 2018
I attended this production as I have a great interest in evolution and Darwin's theory. Young Darwin was amazing and drew the audience with his openness to discovery of the natural planet. The puppeteers portraying the new-found species of animals were a refreshing tradition rather than hi-tech computer generated images. The stage set was simple but most effective - especially the ship journeys. Altogether a worthwhile experience.