“Panacea”: Antimicrobial Resistance meets theatre through an exploration of ethics and discovery
We are proud to co-sponsor and support Panacea – a powerful new play co-written by our Co-Investigator and Deputy Director, Dr Andrew Singer, alongside writer and theatre creative Christina James.
Blending science with the emotional intensity of Greek tragedy, Panacea follows Augustus “Gus” Jameson, an autistic scientist whose discovery of an infectious vaccine could save humanity from future pandemics. But as Gus faces mounting pressure from academia and society, he must confront profound ethical dilemmas: should he forge ahead despite the risks, or listen to those who warn of the potential consequences?
Panacea was born from the collaboration between microbiologist Andrew Singer and Christina James, drawing inspiration from the real-world challenges scientists face in responding to infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. The production highlights the tensions between innovation, ethics, and the human condition.
Following a debut at The Cockpit in early 2025, Panacea embarks on a second tour this November, with performances in Birmingham (Midlands Arts Centre, 17 Nov), London (Cockpit Theatre, 24–25 Nov), and Liverpool (Hope Street Theatre, 27 Nov).
We are proud to support public engagement through creative and accessible platforms. Theatre offers a unique medium for exploring the ethical and societal dimensions of AMR and the global fight against infectious disease.
Dr Andrew Singer commented: “As scientists, we often grapple with how to make our research meaningful beyond the data. Panacea is an experiment in doing exactly that: using theatre to connect people emotionally to the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and the ethics of innovation. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with Christina and the Panacea team in bringing this dialogue to life.”
Tour Dates:
17 Nov – Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham
24–25 Nov – The Cockpit, London
27 Nov – Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool
Follow the production and purchase tickets here: linktr.ee/panaceaplay
