Review: Panacea
- lornatheatrelandad
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 8
📍 Riverside Studios
🗓️ 20th March 2026
🎟️ PR Invite
Written by Andrew Singer (a research scientist in the UK) and Christina James (a founder member of Bloodline Theatre), the play follows Professor Augustus Jamieson (Gus), a microbiologist on the brink of eradicating rabies and averting future pandemics with a new self-spreading vaccine for bats.
As the story unfolds, we get to know Gus’s personality and relationships with his therapist, girlfriend, cat (Mr. Tickles), and colleagues. Over time, it becomes clear that ambition may have run away with him, and perhaps the vaccine isn’t as ready as he believed—putting everything he’s worked for at risk.
Alongside this, Gus wrestles with his own internal battles. He is neurodivergent, struggles with communication (particularly with women), and often expresses himself through music. He talks to his cat, who gives him advice. At first, this felt a little odd, but it quickly started to make sense and felt like a natural part of the play.
The cast of five is led by Will Batty as Gus, with Marianne James as Julia, Nina Fidderman as Sophia, Charlie Culley as Chris Faithful and Mr Tickles, and Emily Wallace as Marti. Scene changes are handled seamlessly by Marianne, Nina, Charlie, and Emily through movement and rhyming monologues, giving the transitions a poetic feel.
The set is simple but effective, with characters appearing from behind a screen to deliver messages and make entrances. Paper is a recurring element, mostly scattered across the floor, representing the complexity and dedication involved in scientific work. As more paper accumulates, it mirrors Gus’s growing distress in response to the events unfolding around him.
One of the most striking visual elements is the use of red ribbon. Each character wears it in their own way, while ribbons gradually surround the stage, eventually boxing Gus in. As tension builds, more papers and ribbons appear, and at times you’re torn over whose side you’re on.
With one of the writers having a background in science, there are plenty of fascinating insights into the industry, and the accompanying program provides extra information to back up the facts in the play.
Despite the heavy scientific content, the play does a great job of explaining complex terms and processes in a way that’s interesting and accessible, even if you’re not scientifically minded.
Overall, Panacea is a thoughtful and engaging piece of theatre that combines humour, heart, and scientific insight.
