Overview
Space, the final frontier. Enormous, perhaps infinite, and completely out of reach for all but the very lucky few. But what a wonderful opportunity it is for Drama. From the giants of ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Star Trek’ to Cult TV shows such as ‘Red Dwarf’ and ‘The X-Files’, Space and all its possibilities (the weird and the wonderful) has graced our screens for generations. But in terms of theatre – live plays and musicals – Space is far less commonplace. The reasons are obvious, recognising the limitations of what can be undertaken ‘live’ from a visual perspective. But actually, theatre is a place of imagination, a place where the audience is very willing to fill in the blanks. The key, as ever, is to provide a story a worth telling, worth their imaginative efforts. We hope, with this ambitious, exciting, poignant and really very human story, that we have done just that.
Synopsis
The crowds, in person and on screens throughout the world, watch with bated breath as NASA’s rocket ILLUMINATE successfully launches from Cape Canaveral, destined for the Moon (LIFT OFF).
In England, Luna has just returned from her father’s funeral. She sits on her bed, flicking through a family photo album. Her older brother, Cosmo, joins her and they talk about their wonderful Dad - the bad jokes, the enthusiastic singing, his wonderful designs and ambitious engineering projects. Luna is upset to hear that she has to go back to school tomorrow.
At school in assembly, Mrs Massey introduces their school topic for the term – SPACE – culminating in a presentation of their work at the end-of-term Science Fair. There is plenty of excitement, and even Luna finds herself imagining what it would be like to stand on the Moon and look back at Earth (THE MAJESTY OF EARTH).
Back home in her garden, Luna is exploring Dad’s shed. There, underneath a broken kite, she discovers some technical drawings and instruction manual put together by her Dad … for a DIY rocket.
During lessons next day, Mrs Bailey talks to the children about ideas for their Science project and the wonders of Space (THE MYSTERY OF THE MOON). Luna reveals to her friend Eden that she is going to build a rocket and go to the Moon herself.
At Tea one afternoon, Luna’s Mum asks her about Dad’s eBay account – on which a number of payments/orders have been made. She explains about the Science project and Mum agrees to let her continue, knowing it means a lot to him. Grandad comes to visit. He is intrigued by the project and offers some technical guidance.
Time passes. Luna attends school during the day, then works on the rocket in the evenings. Deliveries arrive in increasing number (CLOCKS RACE).
Finally, after weeks of hard graft, the day of the Science Fair arrives. The whole school is shocked to see Luna’s rocket standing in the playground, and even more shocked when she arrives in the playground fully suited in astronaut gear. As they watch in disbelief, Luna climbs into the rocket, initiates the countdown process … and lifts off into the sky (OUT OF THIS WORLD).
On the Moon, NASA’s astronauts are coming towards the end of their mission. They see something in the distance, a UFO, that appears to be coming in to land on the far side of the moon. They contact Mission Control in Houston for information, but they are none the wiser.
Back on Earth, Luna’s school is full of reporters and journalists as the world hears of her extraordinary undertaking (HOLD THE FRONT PAGE).
Luna’s spaceship lands on the Moon. She looks out but is too nervous to open the door and step out (OPEN THE DOOR). Finally, knowing her Dad is still very much with her, she braves it and steps onto the Moon.
As the NASA spaceship prepares for departure, an unexpected meteor shower damages the Lunar landing module.
Not (too) far away, Luna is facing problems of her own as she lifts off from the Moon (LOST IN SPACE).
On Earth, news of the problem has been leaked to the Press. NASA issues a statement that they are doing everything they can to ensure the safe return of the astronauts.
With time running out for the astronauts, they see something coming heading towards them. It is Luna. Astonished, the astronauts squeeze into Luna’s ship and she sets a course for Earth.
The rocket lands in the school playground to a tumultuous reception. Luna is celebrated as a hero, but she tells the world that her Dad was the hero – she had just followed the instructions.
With the Press clamouring for interviews, it is Luna’s teacher, Mrs Bailey, who delights Luna by awarding her the Science Project award (DREAM BIG).
