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    Mark Rylance is magnetic
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    Mark Rylance is mesmerising
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Dr Semmelweis Tickets

Mark Rylance stars in this brand new play, inspired by the doctor who fought to revolutionise medical practices in 19th-century Vienna.

An Incredible True Story With Dr Semmelweis Tickets

What use is a discovery if no one believes in it? Dr Semmelweis, starring Academy Award winner Mark Rylance, is a startling and moving new play in the West End with a haunting story about one doctor who fought against the establishment. Catch it at the Harold Pinter Theatre during its strictly limited season for a masterclass performance from Rylance, and a dazzling production that brings the failures and triumphs of history into the present.

What is the Dr Semmelweis play about?

In 19th-century Vienna, thousands of women are dying during childbirth every year. A city famous for its artistic and scientific spirit cannot find a treatment, but Dr Semmelweis has made a discovery. Damned and dismissed by his contemporaries as a mad maverick, Semmelweis is haunted by the women he couldn’t save. What sacrifices must he make to ensure this invisible killer is stopped?

The true story of Ignaz Semmelweis is superbly adapted for the stage in a production that shines a light on a maligned and mistreated pioneer, who died in an asylum but saved many more with his work. Critics praised Dr Semmelweis for its “riveting” (The Guardian) storytelling that is “a tragedy of almost Shakespearean proportions”.

Mark Rylance in Dr Semmelweis

Oscar and Olivier Award winner Mark Rylance stars as the pioneering but misunderstood surgeon who rallied to revolutionise medical practices. He is joined by a talented cast, including a company of dancers who represent the mothers who Semmelweis is haunted by.

Rylance is one of the best British actors working today, with a list of credits including Jerusalem, Farinelli and the King and Nice Fish. On screen, he rocketed to new levels of acclaim in Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies and has since appeared in Ready Player One, The BFG and Dunkirk.

Rylance not only stars in Dr Semmelweis, he was involved in the production from its very beginning. Rylance’s original idea was developed in collaboration with writer Stephen Brown and director Tom Morris (War Horse), and enjoyed an acclaimed world premiere at Bristol Old Vic in 2022.

Tickets for Dr Semmelweis at the Harold Pinter Theatre Available Now

Book for Dr Semmelweis as soon as possible to discover a compelling slice of history, performed by one of our greatest living stage actors.

Sorry this show closed 07 October 2023, we recommend these similar productions.

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Dear England
The Mousetrap
Performance dates:
06 Oct 2023 - 07 Oct 2023
Running time:
2 hours and 50 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
Best for age 14+
Audience Notes:
This production contains references to suicide, and infant and maternal mortality.

Please note that the appearance of any performer cannot be guaranteed, and is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.
Categories:

Best Seats

SeatPlan Recommends: There is some activity in the Boxes at this show, with actors including Mark Rylance performing from them at various points, and the set is on two levels. Choose a central Stalls seat in rows E-H for the best view of both the stage and Boxes. You will feel totally immersed in the drama of Dr Semmelweis’ story from here.

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  • Latest Audience Reviews

    Cannot put into words how much I loved this play. I’m a massive lover of the Pioneers of Antisept... More

    A very important story to tell about the discovery of bacteria and the man who discovered it. Dr... More

    I wanted to see this show because I love watching Mark Rylance on stage. He’s so natural and funn... More

    The story is fascinating for a thing that we just take for granted today, you wonder if he would... More

    Still in preview - but now seen for the 3rd time - this show is just sublime. Wonderful to see it... More

    So much going on here (and still a preview), it will take more than one view to take it all in. T... More

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