An all-female cast has been announced for “Power of Invention” - the new show about Birmingham’s famous Lunar Society which is taking place in the gardens of Soho House on July 30th, 31st and August 7th. The Lunar Society, whose ideas went on to shape the modern world, would regularly meet at the house to dine, conduct experiments and discuss the latest scientific theories.
Julia Wright of Boldtext Playwrights, who is producing the show, says: “Although very forward thinking on many issues, the Lunar Society didn’t have any female members, or even allow women to attend their meetings. We thought it was time to turn the tables by finally inviting women to take part in the Soho House story.”
Directed by Janet Steel, former Artistic Director of Kali Theatre, the cast includes Adaya Henry, Itasha James, Simran Kular and Katy Stephens. Producer Julia Wright continues: “We’re delighted to have these four exceptional actors joining our cast and to be able to showcase some of the homegrown talent we have right here in the West Midlands.”
Soho House, home to 18th century entrepreneur and industrialist Matthew Boulton, is one of the city’s historic properties cared for by Birmingham Museums Trust. Characters being explored in the short plays will include Matthew Boulton and daughter Anne, his business partner James Watt, and Lunar Society members Erasmus Darwin, Joseph Priestly and William Withering, as well as workers from the famous Soho Manufactory which was based right next door.
The show, funded by Arts Council England and The Barry Jackson Trust, lasts around an hour and will run three times a day on July 30th, 31st and August 7th at 12, 3 and 6pm.
