Blast Off, Starburst
Written and directed by Catriona MacLeod
A Play, A Pie and A Pint co-presented with Aberdeen Performing Arts
Òran Mór, Glasgow | 5 November 2024 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
When we meet Shona (Rebecca Elise) she is reluctantly in therapy following the death of her mum. As if losing a parent isn’t enough, the universe is expanding at a rate of 41.9 miles per second and sometimes the pointlessness of our tiny existence is too much to bear.
With the help of her Aunt Mags (Sheila Grier) Shona sorts through childhood relics that her mum kept and left behind. Through letters, keepsakes and other reminders of her past, Shona reconnects with her younger self (Megan Lovat) and revisits her love of all things space and the universe as she ponders the passing of time.
Blast Off, Starburst is a keenly observed study of loss and grief wrapped into a well researched, time-bending discourse on astrophysics and the magic of the universe. For space nerds such as myself, the torrent of facts about black holes, supernovae and everything in-between presented not only with pinpoint accuracy, but with infectious enthusiasm and glee, as is done here by young Shona (Megan Lovat) is a rare and welcome delight.
Themes of death, regret and heartache make Blast Off, Starburst a deeply poignant and moving play, but it has a finely balanced book, and is presented first and foremost as an entertaining piece of theatre. The touching moments where Shona not only mourns the loss of her mum but of her spirited, younger self are offset expertly with excellent NASA facts, lively performances and bursts of humour. It never strays too far into melancholy nor to whimsy.
With superb direction from writer Catriona MacLeod and strong performances from all three cast members Blast Off, Starburst is a tender, rewarding, enchanting piece of theatre.
With simple but effective set design from Fraser Lappin, the mysterious green and purples projected onto the stage hint at a vast, mysterious universe that lies far beyond the confines of the Oran Mor stage. Some people may feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe; others may take comfort from it. Either way, Blast Off, Starburst will make you think about your place in it and how you would or should relate to your younger self.
Go early and lap up the magnificent space-themed pre-show music playlist!
Blast Off, Starburst plays at
Òran Mór, Glasgow
Mon 4 - Sat 9 November 2024 1pm
Tickets £16 - £19.50 at www.ticketweb.uk or 0141 357 6200 (opt 4)
🍺 As always with A Play, A Pie and A Pint your ticket price not only includes some new and exciting theatre, but a scotch pie (or vegan alternative) and a drink.
Blast Off, Starburst - Cast & Creatives
Cast:
Rebecca Elise
Sheila Grier
Megan Lovat
Creative Team:
Writer and Director: Catriona MacLeod
Designer: Fraser Lappin
Assistant Designer: Glenn Parkinson
📸 Production photos: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan
Blast Off, Starburst review, A Play, A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow November 2024. Catriona MacLeod.
📸 Find Lisa in the Theatre on Instagram and Twitter / X
🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
Comments