I was very moved by this performance. The acting was superb and the play tells the gripping story about such an important turning point in our history. It also draws us towards a family in torment, and I felt that the dilemmas, distresses and questions raised in the Darwin's family at that time are just as pertinent in our lives today.

Caught the 111 Theatre show Trumpery, a story of Darwin, Wallace and 'on the origin of species' by Peter Parnell just on time and thankfully so. Although the texts were lengthy and there was relatively little action, it was never tedious or hard-going. In fact, I came out inspired and I felt an urge to refresh my knowledge about Darwin and his contemporaries. What a great man he was!

All the characters were well cast. Mike Taylor as Joseph Hooker was very convincing and made a good pair with Joseph Kenneway as Charles Darwin - the mutual interest, agreement and acceptance that only exists in a long-standing friendship between two best friends was palpable.

The children, with their beautiful crisp English and delicate demeanour, could have equally been in the cast of The Railway Children, or The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe.

The star of the show was Nathan Peter Grassi as Alfred Wallace. What talent and again how very well cast! Great energy, wonderful composure. Grassi made the absolute drive and the free-thinking spirit in Wallace very clear and although it was never mentioned as such, through his subtle play one could even feel that Wallace suffered financial difficulties throughout his life.

This drive, this utter eagerness to learn and discover, the resilient energy, the perseverance to continue against all odds, it was all there and I felt part of this big quest and felt I witnessed 'Life'. The very, very moving end was the only closure possible, to me it perfectly showed Wittgenstein's words: 'Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent'

Well done!

I've always been fascinated with this momentous period in science, and all the main players are here present and correct. However, I wasn't prepared for the quiet desperation and self doubt that plagued Darwin in this eventually powerful play. In the end only Wallace can extend a lifeline to Darwin and offer him a restored hope in humanity as he casts morality and cooperation as evolutionary traits.

I can't recommended this play highly enough, so please make the effort to catch it before it goes. All the cast, young and old(er) are excellent, and held together well by a touching central performance from Joesph Kenneway as Darwin. Adam Potterton also nicely captures Huxley's 'street wise' bite

Once again 111 Theatre come up trumps with Trumpery. Great acting and staging from all the cast including the children Daniel and Chloe. A beautiful yet simple set and fabulous costumes to boot. What's not to like? This is no Am Dram Murder In The Vicarage but a truly accomplished piece of theatre directed by multi talented Helen Taylor. Catch the show tonight (Friday) or Saturday matinee and evening.