The Perfect City - the vision of William Penn (performance)

Imprisoned for his beliefs, William Penn has plenty of time to dream: of a perfect city where all men and women are free, and where instead of smoky, disease-ridden London are wide streets and green spaces. Remarkably, the chance comes to him when, in settlement of a debt owed to his father, the King grants him an entire colony in America.

Reality, though, struggles to live up to the dream. In the harsh environment of a new continent, many of the settlers are convinced that only by employing slaves can they hope to prosper. Penn has stumbled upon a battle which rages to this day, between the democratic rights of groups and the liberty of the individual.

A beautiful score by Martin Coslett and an emotionally intense book by award-winning journalist Ross Clark brings alive this tale.

Directed by Andrew Miller of Ocean Theatre, best-known for his 5-star production of The Pirates of Penzance aboard the Golden Hinde.