The March - A History Play about Science

‘In that man’s mind was the power to save lives – hundreds of lives. Generations even. Unfortunately, ours was a generation that didn’t want to be saved.’ Sir James Colquhoun Irvine was one of the most influential research chemists ever to come through St Andrews, and he certainly left his mark. After he was elected principal in 1921, he went on to become the longest serving principal that the university has ever seen. But we’re interested in something a little bit earlier than that. The year is 1914 and, as the horrors of the First World War begin to spread across Europe, one particularly distinguished research department in a small, seaside, Scottish town is called upon to contribute to the war effort. At first, their work focuses on medicines, saving soldiers from the diseases that ravages the trenches. But the War Office is greedy, and they will stop at nothing to find some of the more nefarious advantages that can be found with just a little bit of twisting a brilliant mind. The March is a history play about science. It examines mankind’s propensity for distorting forces for good in to something sinister, while asking if there is anything we can do to keep our humanity. This show was created and devised by BlackBox Devised Theatre Company in association with Mermaids Performing Arts Fund and BoxedIn Theatre. Cast: Juliet Boobbyer Felix CGP Bailey Fear Daniel Heidland Alice Robson Georgina Savage Louis Wilson Crew: Director: Oli Savage Producer: Emma Galligani Costumes: Maggie Cady