From small beginnings, this is a production that has travelled light years. After being selected as part of the British Council Showcase One Small Step has been performed in nearly 20 countries and now, two years since its initial conception, this two-man show returns to be staged again at the Burton Taylor Studio.
Following the now legendary “Space Race” between the United States and Soviet Russia in the 1950s and 60s, One Small Step takes a small budget and creates a big noise, gaining the respect and critical acclaim that it clearly deserves. Suitable for adults and children alike, the production is both informative and resourceful. It explains chronologically the advances in space travel — from Laika, the first dog in space, to Neil Armstrong’s momentous first step on the moon — bringing a decade of history to life with a collection of everyday items ranging from an office filing cabinet to an empty tin of Spam transformed into 20th-century space age gadgetry.
The attention of the audience is well and truly captured by Robin Hemmings (left) and Oliver Millingham as they slip cleverly from character to character and their accents flit seamlessly between Russian and American. It must be said that it would be all too easy for a small-scale production attempting to depict the entire Space Race with only two cast members to become confusing. And so it is to the credit of all involved that One Small Step remains succinct throughout, and even manages to throw a healthy dollop of humour into the mix.
To bring space travel to the small stage is a feat that could be considered akin to that of putting a man on the moon; however it’s clear that One Small Step has achieved this giant leap.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article