Julia Bradbury Will Host THE WIDER EARTH Gala In The Presence Of Trh The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex

The Wider Earth - the critically acclaimed drama about the young Charles Darwin's expedition on HMS Beagle playing at the custom-built theatre in the Jerwood Gallery at London's Natural History Museum until 24 February - will hold a special VIP Gala Night on 12 February 2019. The gala, hosted by Julia Bradbury, and in the presence of HRH the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be held to commemorate Charles Darwin's 210th birthday, and will support The Queen's Commonwealth Trust and the production's official charitable partner The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the gala performance in the Duke's official capacity of President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

Trish Wadley, on behalf of the producers of The Wider Earth, said, "as an Australian production with a global view, we are thrilled to support a Commonwealth initiative that encourages multiple nations to join together and create a meaningful green footprint on the planet for future generations."

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said, "We are delighted to welcome TRH the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into the Museum to mark the 210th birthday of Charles Darwin - and to celebrate the brilliant work of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust and The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. As a charity ourselves, the Museum acts to inspire the next generation to protect the natural world. Over 150 years since Darwin began working with the Museum's Collection, it remains home to many of the specimens collected on his expeditions. Today, our 350 scientists continue to use the Collection, and Darwin's scientific legacy, as we seek solutions to the major issues facing the planet today."

Julia Bradbury, best known for presenting BBC's Countryfile and ITV's Britain's Best Walks and a forthcoming series Julia Bradbury's Australia, which will first be shown on ITV on 14 February 2019, is a passionate advocate for the conservation of the natural world, and a tireless campaigner against plastic pollution. She said, "I am thrilled to be hosting The Wider Earth's gala night. This theatrical celebration of discovery is a testament to the beauty of nature, and a reminder of our duty to protect the landscapes and wildlife that Charles Darwin loved so much."

Tickets include a pre-show reception hosted by The Australian High Commission and are available at www.thewiderearth.com or by contacting rsvp@thewiderearth.com by Monday 4 February 2019

The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy is a unique network of forest conservation initiatives that marks Her Majesty The Queen's service to the Commonwealth and conserves indigenous forests across the globe. Through their voluntary commitment to this pan-Commonwealth initiative, the nations of the Commonwealth are acting together to address climate change and protect habitats and biodiversity for the future. QCC partner Cool Earth is an award-winning UK-based charity that works alongside indigenous villages to halt rainforest destruction.

Project Coordinator Sophie Kisnorbo commented,

"The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy is honoured to have been chosen as The Wider Earth's official charitable partner. It is a real privilege to work with The Wider Earth to continue Darwin's legacy."

The Queen's Commonwealth Trust is a new charity that champions, funds and connects young leaders across the Commonwealth who are working hard to change the world. The Commonwealth has a vast talent pool of young leaders but their potential is unseen and their skills underused. The Queen's Commonwealth Trust shares their stories, gives them a platform to amplify their ideas, and inspires other young people to step up and take action. The charity also offers funding, advice and know-how to grow their projects and create a collaborative network of young change-makers. Their work demonstrates the values of the Commonwealth in action, through the leadership, energy and optimism of its young people.

Featuring a cast of seven people and 30 extraordinary hand-crafted puppets representing the exotic wildlife Darwin encountered, The Wider Earth is an ingenious coming-of-age story which celebrates the incredible complexity of our planet and Darwin's adventurous spirit as he faced perilous environments and unknown dangers on his bold voyage. Written and directed by Dead Puppet Society's creative director David Morton, the idea for The Wider Earth was conceived at a residency in Cape Town in 2013 with the Handspring Puppet Company - the creative team behind War Horse.

Following sold-out seasons in Brisbane and Sydney, The Wider Earth has found the perfect home at the Natural History Museum. The Museum is custodian to many of the specimens Charles Darwin collected on his expeditions and its 350 scientists continue in his footsteps of exploration and discovery, seeking solutions to the major issues facing the natural world. This is the first time a performance-based theatre has been constructed in the Museum and adds an exciting new element to the wide-range of exhibitions and events which already attract over 4.5 million visitors every year.

The Museum's scientists, led by paleobiologist Professor Adrian Lister, author of Darwin's Fossils, have worked closely with the creative producers of the show to ensure it is rooted in authenticity.

The Wider Earth is a partnership project between Trish Wadley Productions, Dead Puppet Society, Glass Half Full Productions in association with Queensland Theatre and the Natural History Museum.

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