A tale of Victorian computer genius Ada Lovelace comes to Broadstairs

The cast will tell the tale of Ada Lovelace (image via Wikimedia Commons) and Charles Dickens

A tale of the woman who invented the world’s first computer software is coming to the stage in Broadstairs.

The Music of Mathematics is the tale of the 19th century Ada Lovelace, the only legitimate child of the poet Lord Byron and his wife Anne Isabella Milbanke.

Ada was chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage’s proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation and published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is sometimes regarded as the first computer programmer.

The Music of Mathematics tells her story through her friendship with author Charles Dickens and has many Thanet connections.

The performance is the first play written by Denice Gow.

Filigree Mask company boss Caron Ford-Wilson has stepped in to direct following a recent hitch. Two volunteer stage managers have joined at the 11th hour.

The cast includes former RADA student Sue Abbott as Miss Flintwich, Louis May as Victorian Gentleman, David Perry as Charles Dickens, Steve Brookes as Dr Brewer and Lucy Warwicker as Ada.

Other Filigree Mask class members, who were featured as supporting artists in BAFTA-winning short film ‘Refugee,’ also join the cast.

The Music of Mathematics was previously adapted for Afternoon Tea with Ada which was a sell-out when it was staged at The Walpole Bay Hotel in 2016.

The Music of Mathematics will be performed at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs on Saturday, June 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12 on the door and £10 in advance.

Book by calling the Box office on 01843 863701 (Mon to Fri 10am to 2pm) or go to www.sarahthornetheatre.co.uk