A World Heritage site in Blaenavon will play host to an epic 'rocket launch' event this weekend as the Tin Shed Theatre Company brings an immersive production to the valleys town.
Taking place at the Blaenavon Ironworks heritage site, it will see Infinity Space Wales, a space agency imagined by the theatre company, take over the site for a performance on Saturday, September 25 at 7:30pm.
The family-friendly spectacle, Rocket Launch Blaenavon, will examine Welsh identity, legacy, and the nation’s place in the universe, while it follows local space cadet Elin in her journey into outer space.
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Inviting audiences to experience the thrill of a real-life rocket launch, the show will be fully accessible with BSL interpretation, subtitles, and audio description available.
Tickets will cost £5.60, and have been made available for the outdoor event to allow for effective social distancing.
Founded in 1789 the site in Blaeanvon is significant to the area's history for the revolutionary manufacture of iron products such as bridges, ships, and railway lines that were exported all over the world during the Industrial Revolution.
George Harris who is the company director at Tin Shed Theatre Co, said he was incredibly excited to be bringing the piece to a town which is so invested in it's heritage.
He said: "When we first went to Blaenavon, we identified it as a town which was really invested in its cultural heritage.
"The Ironworks felt like the perfect space to create a vast piece of outdoor theatre specific to the site, and tackling the largest concept we could conceive of in space exploration.
"We’re so excited to be bringing such a timely, immersive outdoor production to an iconic space in south Wales. Having had to postpone the show for a year due to lockdown restrictions in 2020, we’re happy to finally be able to take to the stage."
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden MS said she was also excited to see ambitious theatre projects such as this coming to the town.
She said: "We are lucky in Wales to have so many brilliant venues to host outdoor arts productions, and I’m thrilled to see that Blaenavon Ironworks will be the site for an innovative, ambitious work of theatre.
"Outdoor arts productions offer audiences such unique experiences, and I’m confident the success of Rocket Launch Blaenavon will encourage even more theatre and arts companies to consider staging their work here in Wales."
Rocket Launch Blaenavon will also be live-streamed free, with viewers able to sneak a peek at last-minute preparations and set-up ahead of the actual event. The livestream will have BSL interpretation and subtitles available.
To get accustomed to the sounds, textures, and lights of the show, audience members are also encouraged to visit 'The Space' pop-up shop on Broad Street, Blaenavon.
Ideal for any children with Autism Spectrum Condition or similar additional needs, 'The Space' has been designed to provide a sensory introduction to the performance and build up excitement among budding space cadets.
A limited number of free tickets to experience Rocket Launch are available to Blaenavon residents via the pop-up shop on Broad Street, Blaenavon. To access free tickets, locals much bring one document proving residency.
Rocket Launch Blaenavon has been made possible by funding from Welsh Government and Arts Council for Wales. Tickets for Rocket Launch Blaenavon can be purchased here
You can watch the free live-streamed on iswales.com
