In 1989, while working as a chemist at the Mars chocolate factory, Helen Sharman responded to a radio advert that simply said, “Astronaut wanted, no experience necessary.” In 1991, she became the first Brit in space. She was 27.
30 years later this piece uses physical theatre and bold northern humour to tell the story of how an ordinary young woman from Sheffield rose to extraordinary heights.
‘Helen’ is a fictional work which brings to light the largely unknown story of Britain’s first Astronaut. It imagines the human sacrifices involved in such an extraordinary journey; a journey which ended in Helen Sharman accomplishing something most people could only dream of.
Commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre with support from Arts Council England, ‘Helen’ is a brand new piece from N2P, the award-winning London theatre company described as “unafraid to be challenging in both form… and content.” (Ought to be Clowns)
Press & Reviews
Priase for previous work:
Theatre Weekly ★★★★ “GRIP gives definition to the term ‘working class theatre’ in a gritty and deeply compelling hour of drama.”
Everything Theatre ★★★★ “This is a dark and brave production with a strong ensemble cast. It succeeds in challenging the norm, leaving the audience with a head full of questions that they must find their own answers to.”
OUGHT TO BE CLOWNS “an ensemble-led production which makes ferociously good use of movement and lighting to both tell its story and disrupt it”
The Open Door ★★★★★ "‘Nothing to Perform’ was a rare insight into the previously unexamined, with moments of startling honestly, reluctant hilarity and bursts of the unexpected.”
Cast & Creative Team Creatives:
Playwright: SCOTT HOWLAND
Director: HARRIET TAYLOR
Dramaturg: GREG FORREST
Associate Movement Director: LEA ANDERSON
Poster Design: KATHRYN KING
Cast:
Helen: VIOLET VERIGO
Sharron: HANNAH MARIE DAVIS
Mum: DONNA COULLING
Dad: BEN GARDNER GRAY
Woman: LEA ANDERSON
Man: GEORGE SEYMOUR