Our talented students came together to devise a unique and thought-provoking theatre production set in the vastness of space. ‘T Minus 10 Seconds’ follows ten exceptionally bright young people, handpicked for a fast-track astronaut programme offering them the chance to become the first under-18s to travel to the International Space Station. But as they prepare for launch, the group begins to question whether exploring infinite space is truly worth leaving Earth, and the people they love, behind.
What unfolds is a playful yet touching story that dives deep into the challenges of growing up: navigating pressure, expectations, dreams, and friendships. At its heart, the production explores what it means to be young and curious in a world full of possibilities and uncertainties.
Created through a collaborative, devising process led by director Matt Wells and writer Mark Weinman, the play is entirely original, shaped by the voices, ideas, and creativity of the students themselves. Every element – from scenes written in students’ own time to the imaginative portrayal of zero gravity – emerged from weeks of exploration and trust in the creative process.
A second piece, A Shared Space, was also developed alongside the main show, sharing the same spirit of collaboration and courage. Both productions used the setting of space as a metaphor to reflect on the complexity of being a teenager today.
The students worked with professional artists who challenged and inspired them, pushing boundaries and building a truly immersive theatrical experience. The result was a slightly mad, beautifully human sci-fi story that could only have been made by this particular company of young performers – a shining example of what happens when students take creative ownership and aim for the stars.
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