Space to Fly

Space to Fly is a new large-scale spectacular event, combining circus with theatre and augmented reality, that shines a light on modern human spaceflight.

A collaboration between two of the UK’s leading outdoor theatre and circus makers, Unlimited Theatre and Upswing, Space to Fly seeks to go beyond the well-trodden Moon Landings and ‘Race for Space’ narratives to uncover the hidden stories and experiences of women and people of colour who are increasingly our human representatives in space. By offering a glimpse into these hidden stories of space flight we will question humanity’s future in space, and the role women and people of colour will play in it.

Space To Fly is their first collaboration, bringing their significant experience together to create a large-scale, circus/theatre/augmented reality event for outdoor performance.

Unlimited Theatre is an award-winning Yorkshire-based NPO of independent artists and producers, touring nationally and internationally. We have been creating, collaborating and engaging with audiences for over 23 years. Our vision is to inspire audiences to help change the world (even a little bit) for the better. We specialise in collaborating with scientists and telling stories inspired by leading-edge developments by researchers at the forefront of their fields.

While much of Unlimited’s work is for adult audiences, a dedicated strand for children is delivered through the Unlimited Space Agency (UNSA). UNSA is known for its outdoor touring HQ – The Space Shed and has won a series of prestigious awards since its inception – including National Charity Award, the WISE Champion Award for inspiring young women and girls in STEM subjects; the Sir Arthur Clarke Award for Space Education & Outreach; the global “Best Mission Concept” from NASA and, most recently, The Space Shed was awarded 2019 ‘Unique’ Shed of the Year. Other significant previous work includes Money the Gameshow; Future Bodies – HOME commission and collaboration with RashDash, and Am I Dead Yet?

Upswing uses contemporary circus to tell stories in extraordinary ways – celebrating the skills, creative talents and stories of diverse artists and communities. Established in 2006 by Vicki Amedume to meet the pressing need to bring diverse voices and experiences to Britain’s stages in compelling and accessible formats, Upswing has produced 4 full-length indoor shows, 3 short outdoor and 3 library shows. The company produces high-quality site-specific performances and is regularly commissioned to create work with local communities, most recently creating Home for Coventry City of Culture in collaboration with Highly Sprung. Previous outdoor shows have included The Red Shoes and Catch Me.

Supported by Edinburgh Napier University and Arts Council England