Toured 2010-11
"If there's a sudden interest in science in the coming years among the children of south-west London and beyond, it may well be traced back to Unlimited's show for seven to 11 year olds." The Guardian
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MISSION TO MARS
Join us for the mission of a lifetime!
written in consultation with
Dr Gail Iles and Dr Andrew Newsam
a co-production with Polka Theatre
The internationally renowned Polka Theatre commissioned us to create our first show for children – a new play to inspire children about science, space travel and the wonders of the solar system…
"We saw Mission to Mars at Curve in Leicester today - my kids, who go to the theatre a lot, said it was the best thing they had ever seen. My 8yo son said it was even better than 'Oliver' in the West End! Thank you so much; we had a wonderful afternoon!" The Bannister Family
It's 2035, and we're ready to send the first human beings to Mars. Gail and Stefan have been selected from thousands, and are ready to launch. Their four friends and colleagues are following close behind. We want you to come with them...
pic: Mic Pool
Fun, fast-paced and packed with emotion, Mission To Mars is based on the real science of planned Mars missions. Join Gail and Stephan as they defy gravity and go further through the solar system than we’ve ever been before.
"Went on a Mission To Mars yesterday and was best space adventure ever! Absolutely loved it. Go and see (with or without kids)!" @TanjaGeier on Twitter
"Perfectly pitched little ones sci-fi " @MysterB on Twitter
"Absolutely awe-struck by #mission2mars from@untheatre and brilliant science folk. Go see, kids or not." @shezzavague on Twitter
Ever wondered if you have what it takes? Come and experience all the excitement, danger and discovery of the next giant leap into space...
"Unlimited have been pioneers in combining theatre and science for adult audiences, fearlessly going where few other companies have gone before in exploring the metaphysical and everyday impact of scientific advances on our lives... Mission To Mars is great fun and if there's a sudden interest in science in the coming years among the children of south-west London and beyond, it may well be traced back to Unlimited's show for seven to 11-year-olds." The Guardian
Clare, Jon and Chris wrote Mission To Mars in consultation with Dr Gail Iles (particle physicist and at the time an Astronaut Instructor for the European Space Agency) and Dr Andrew Newsam (of the Astrophysics Research Institute at Liverpool John Moores University and the Director of the National Schools’ Observatory Project).
The play was primarily made for (and with) 7-11 year olds. That known, our ambition was always to make a show that appeals to all ages. We've totally been influenced by the family friendly sophistication of films like WALL-E , The Incredibles and Up.
Mission To Mars places its young audience firmly at the heart of the action but never talks down to them and doesn’t shy away from asking the big questions.
It's pretty AWEsome.
pic: Max Alexander
As if that wasn't enough, we also worked with long term collaborators Coney and Radiowaves to create The Astronautical Challenge an adventure into space for school children to immerse themselves in over 5 weeks in class, led by their teachers.
AND we'll continue to bring you our "Space Camp" game where children and their parents/carers can train to be astronauts with our very own Space Agency.
Welcome to the show. We hope you can make it...
TOURED 2010-11
1 October - 6 November 2010 @ Polka Theatre, London
9 - 13 November 2010 @ Royal Theatre, Northampton
Tues 1 - Sat 5 February 2011 @ Curve, Leicester
Tues 8 - Sat 12 February 2011 @ West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds
Thur 24 – Sat 26 February 2011 @ NORTHERN STAGE, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
CREATIVE TEAM:
Written by Clare Duffy, Jon Spooner & Chris Thorpe
Directed by Jon Spooner
Designed by Rhys Jarman
Sound and Video Design by Mic Pool
Lighting Design by Ben Pacey
Aerial Choreography by Layla Rosa
Music by David Edwards
Cast:
Dr Gail Iles: Clare Barrett
Dr Stefan Losch: Sebastien Lawson
Dr Maggie Efisom Riddick: Suzanne Ahmet
Dr Vlatko Vedral: Alex Elliott
Dr Andrew Newsam: Jon Spooner
Dr Joni Spencer: Lucy Ellinson
Funded by Polka Theatre, Unlimited Theatre, Arts Council England, The Science and Technology Facilities Council, The Ernest Cook Trust, Equitable Trust