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. It was also performed as part of Unity Festival 2026.
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