Space Oddity is a comedy based on an expedition to Jupiter where two astronauts meet aliens intent on destroying the Earth!
With 4 grey boxes, various kitchen utensils, an orange and a lot of imagination, the actors deliver an amusing whilst somewhat farcical interpretation of a space disaster film.
The names of the characters in themselves are humorous. Chip Houston leads inevitably to the famous "Houston we have a problem" line and "Major Tom Jefferson" was also humorous with reference to the famous song "Ground control to Major Tom".
I was impressed by the dexterity of the 2 actors as they played a variety of roles: the computer voice, Chip's father, various NASA communications and the aliens. The production encouraged the audience to use imagination and was very amusing.
The use of the set was also clever. It consisted of 4 grey boxes which were used to depict 2 space stations, computers, blocks and beds. The contrast between the minimalistic set and the space scene was very effective. It reminded one of the emptiness of space and the isolation of such a situation was thus reinforced. Whilst one would expect a play in space to have lots of special effects; the dependence instead on 4 boxes and some smoke was refreshing and original.
Although the play was short (1 hour), it was creatively produced and delivered well. I particularly enjoyed the innovative use of the set and space to portray the story. Some references were less obvious to me as I'm not completely au fait with sci-fi films but anyone who enjoys this genre would have found this production very entertaining. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the show and would recommend it as an amusing comedy drama with skilful actors and an impressive though minimalistic use of set.
With 4 grey boxes, various kitchen utensils, an orange and a lot of imagination, the actors deliver an amusing whilst somewhat farcical interpretation of a space disaster film.
The names of the characters in themselves are humorous. Chip Houston leads inevitably to the famous "Houston we have a problem" line and "Major Tom Jefferson" was also humorous with reference to the famous song "Ground control to Major Tom".
I was impressed by the dexterity of the 2 actors as they played a variety of roles: the computer voice, Chip's father, various NASA communications and the aliens. The production encouraged the audience to use imagination and was very amusing.
The use of the set was also clever. It consisted of 4 grey boxes which were used to depict 2 space stations, computers, blocks and beds. The contrast between the minimalistic set and the space scene was very effective. It reminded one of the emptiness of space and the isolation of such a situation was thus reinforced. Whilst one would expect a play in space to have lots of special effects; the dependence instead on 4 boxes and some smoke was refreshing and original.
Although the play was short (1 hour), it was creatively produced and delivered well. I particularly enjoyed the innovative use of the set and space to portray the story. Some references were less obvious to me as I'm not completely au fait with sci-fi films but anyone who enjoys this genre would have found this production very entertaining. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed the show and would recommend it as an amusing comedy drama with skilful actors and an impressive though minimalistic use of set.