by Highwire Entertainment

Drama | Circus | Science

Three intrepid acrobatic astronauts head off on the journey of a lifetime: blasting off on a mission from the Earth to the Moon. Together they navigate to our closest cosmic neighbour, with the help of some very important friends at Mission Control—the audience. 

Mission to the Moon incorporates up-to-date space science and discoveries made about our Moon, solar system and the cosmos, and presents it in a fun and highly visual way, incorporating a simple narrative and imaginative play in this unique educational fusion of circus and theatre. 

This production is quick to set up, can adapt to a wide variety of spaces, including school gyms and classrooms, and comes with a curriculum-connected education resource kit, featuring activities students can enjoy long after the performance ends. These activities encourage deeper engagement with science, physical expression, and creative storytelling. 

Mission to the Moon was the brainchild of longtime Highwire artist and space fanatic Matthew Anderson. He wanted to create a work that delighted and inspired a new generation of space explorers, while using imaginative play to make key concepts within space travel (like rockets, gravity, orbits, and lunar landings) more accessible through dynamic visuals. After a couple of initial creative developments, Highwire teamed up with playwright and fellow space fan Natalie Frijia to expand the work into a full-length theatrical-circus show. 

The result is a high-energy, interactive performance that encourages students to learn through laughter, movement, and participation. Circus elements such as juggling, acrobatics, and physical comedy serve as metaphors for scientific phenomena, helping children absorb complex ideas in a playful and memorable way. 

The show explores several key themes: the wonder of space and science; the thrill of adventure and discovery; the power of teamwork and collaboration; the landscape of the cosmic neighbourhood surrounding Planet Earth; and the importance of dreaming big. Inspired by NASA’s Artemis program, which will soon return astronauts to the Moon, including the first woman and person of colour, Mission to the Moon emphasizes representation in science, encouraging all students to imagine themselves as future astronauts, scientists, and innovators. 

Mission to the Moon premiered at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe to enthusiastic audiences and 4-star reviews (See Do Eat), including a sold-out Schools Day performance for nearly 400 students. Teachers praised its energy, clarity, and the way it sparked students’ interest in both science and performance. 

Ultimately, Mission to the Moon is about sparking curiosity. It blends factual science with theatrical magic to make learning joyful and inclusive. Whether it’s a student’s first introduction to space, or a chance to imagine new possibilities, this show offers a springboard for wonder, play, and discovery, on Earth and beyond. 

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