About the show.
Six astronauts in full space gear land on a strange new planet – only to discover they’re not the first ones there. What follows is a tender, quietly comic attempt at making first contact. Who are these curious earthlings? Why do they wave back? And could it be… we’re not so different after all? Astronauts is a visually striking, walkabout performance full of simple but affecting moments – part clown, part sci-fi daydream. With no words, just gestures, sound and gentle interaction, the show invites audiences of all ages to imagine connection across difference.
Info for programmers.
This is a roaming piece for public spaces – indoors or out – performed by six astronauts in full costume, accompanied by a moon buggy packed with built-in sound tech. The performers walk through the crowd in formation, stopping to wave, make playful gestures and build small moments of connection with passers-by. At set points, they disembark from their ‘shuttle’ and initiate first contact with the audience – discovering, through soft touch and silent recognition, that they’re not so alien after all. The performance ends with a flag-raising ceremony, leaving one audience member proudly holding the pole as the astronauts float off into the distance.
Technical details.
Small-scale, non-verbal walkabout show. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor spaces. Ideal for family audiences and large-scale public events. Up to 3 x 30min performances per day. Touring party of 8 (6 performers, 1 tech, 1 support). Typical reach of 1000 audience members per performance.
Astronauts Fusion.
In July 2025 we once again collaborated with Satélite Teatro, this time on an 'Astronauts Fusion' performance; the usual 6 performers became 12 for the 6th anniversary of The Astronauts at Alles Muss Raus! inclusive theatre festival in Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Creative Team.
Ben Pettitt-Wade
Hijinx Artistic Director
Brian RodrÃguez
Satélite Teatro Artistic Director
Tom Ayres
Production Manager
Angharad & Rhiannon Matthews
Costume Design
Buddug James Jones
‘Mono’ Design