To Mars is the debut show of Mini Moon Theatre and is the only show that is created specifically for young people playing at the Camden Fringe.

It follows Maddy (Erin Nash) who has had her application to be an Astronaut turned down after creating an alien detector, because she’s “just a kid”. Her brother Jack (Lexi Quintana) suggests that rather than moaning she builds a rocket to go there on her own. After a night working on some rocket boots, she and Jack set off to Mars as it is the closest to Earth and the most likely to have aliens.

When they arrive, they face various challenges, unexpected events and Zom, a real-life Martian who magically appears from below with a bubble gun. The children encounter the familiar problems that beset humans of any age; failure, resentment and sibling rivalry.

The props are extremely well designed for a budget performance with the reversible background screens, rocket boots (although there was a slight wardrobe malfunction) and in particular Rusty as the remote-controlled rover. The innovative use of the pit to allow Zom to rise onto the stage was very clever. The characters however are one dimensional and need development to fulfil the true potential of the piece.

There is much to applaud in this production and there are some very talented principals, having just graduated.  I look forward to seeing future productions as they become more experienced.

There is a free activity pack for children that goes along with the show.

2 Stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

The Bridewell Theatre is now finished Playing at The Arches Lane Theatre, Battersea Saturdays in September

Tickets available at the link below

https://www.archeslanetheatre.com/tomars

Cast

Maddy                Erin Nash

Jack                      Lexi Quintana

Zom/Dad          Will Harrison

Creative

Writer/ Director                             Megan Holman

Costume Design/Score           Johanna Baldurs

Set/Props/Puppet                        Fionnuala O’Gorman

Stage Management                  Piper Clarkson-Adams

Lighting Design                             Talia Bunting

Additional Set Design               Livia Gray