Humankind, genetics, and archaeologyA new, groundbreaking, spectacular theatrical production live on stage. Who are we?
Where do we come from?
What does it mean to be human?
For thousands of years, such questions have been explored through philosophy and religion, but the answers now seem to lie firmly within the grasp of an empirical approach to the world and our place within it.
By peering deep into our past and dragging clues out into the light, science can now provide us with some of the answers to the questions that people have always asked. From the first spark of life on earth 3. 8 billion years ago, we track the evolution and connectivity of all living things. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors from Africa into Asia and around the Indian coastline, to Australia, north into Europe and Siberia, and, eventually, to the last continents to be peopled: the Americas.
We’ll meet some other human species along the way. We’ll examine the sophistication of some of the earliest civilisations, and we’ll discuss how we know what we know and why we think what we think, what the science can tell us.
This is the story of us, from single cell to civilisation. Prof Alice Roberts said “I’m thrilled to be bringing a new stage show to the UK in November exploring the story of us, from Cell to Civilisation.
Blending archaeology, evolutionary biology and genetics and using theatrical sound, light and imagination to bring the science to life in a way that you’ve never seen before.
We’ll be tracing our origins back, not just to the dawn of our own species, but to the origin of life on this planet.
That’s four billion years of evolution in one evening. I’m really excited about this, I’ve taken this show to Australia, to Canada, and now it’s coming to the Uk in November.
I can’t wait to share this story with you. ”Approx. finish time of 10:15pm.
Ticket prices from: £43.68
Prices are subject to availability and may change
Date(s): Sun 28 Feb 2027
Prof Alice Roberts – From Cell to Civilisation
Date(s): Sun 28 Feb 2027
Princess Theatre
Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 5EZ
Category: Talk
Where is Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation performing?
Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation is playing at Princess Theatre Torquay, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ.
How do I get to Princess Theatre Torquay?
Train: Torquay station is served by GWR and CrossCountry with frequent services running towards Exeter St David's and the South West. The theatre is a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the station along the seafront.
Bus: Bus stops are located on Torbay Road, approximately 3 minutes walk from the theatre, served all day by the number 12. Check the Stagecoach app or website for timetables.
Car: Use postcode TQ2 5EZ for sat nav. The closest car parks are Fleet Walk (TQ2 5EA) and Sheddon Hill (TQ2 5TY). There is limited parking available on Torbay Road directly outside the theatre. See our full parking guide for more options.
How long is Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation?
Talk events typically run for approximately 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes, often including a Q&A session. Please check the show listing or booking page for the exact confirmed running time.
What time should I arrive at Princess Theatre Torquay?
The box office opens 90 minutes before the performance. We recommend arriving at least 20 to 30 minutes before curtain up. This gives you time to collect or check your tickets, visit the facilities, find your seats, and browse refreshment options from the bar and Teatro, the theatre's own restaurant specialising in sourdough pizzas, which opens from 10am on performance days. Please note that bag checks may be in operation, so leave extra time. Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. For full venue information see our Princess Theatre visitor guide.
How much are tickets for Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation?
Ticket prices vary by production and performance date. Click the secure booking button on this page to see current pricing and availability for Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation at Princess Theatre Torquay.
Where can I eat near Princess Theatre Torquay?
Torquay offers plenty of dining options within walking distance of the Princess Theatre on Torbay Road. The theatre also has its own restaurant, Teatro, specialising in sourdough pizzas and open from 10am on performance days. See our guide to restaurants near the Princess Theatre for recommendations, or browse hotels in Torquay if you're making a night of it.
Is there an age recommendation for Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation?
Age recommendations vary by production. Check the specific show listing or booking page for full age guidance before booking.
Can I see the seating plan for Princess Theatre Torquay?
Yes — view our detailed Princess Theatre Torquay seating plan to choose the best seats for your visit. The stalls slope down to the front row with no stairs. The circle is accessed by lift to the circle bar level, then stairs to the circle seats. Rows with extra legroom in the stalls include A, G, M, V36/42, and all side gangway seats. For full venue information including access details, see our Princess Theatre visitor guide.
Where is the best place to buy tickets for Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation?
Click the secure booking button on this page to see current availability, performance dates and times for Prof Alice Roberts - From Cell to Civilisation at Princess Theatre Torquay. Browse more shows at the Princess Theatre.