An inventive, heartfelt musical telling the remarkable true story of Laika and the Soviet space dogs with creativity and humour
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
Before humans ventured beyond Earth's atmosphere, it was dogs that paved the way. Space Dogs tells the remarkable true story of the Soviet space programme's canine astronauts, focusing on Laika – the stray dog who became the first living creature to orbit the Earth. Blending history, music and humour, this intimate two-hander explores the triumphs, sacrifices and ethical questions behind one of the Space Race's most famous stories.
What we loved
With just two performers and a small studio space, Space Dogs proves that big ideas can work on a small scale. The show is wonderfully inventive, using every theatrical trick available to create an imaginative and engaging piece of storytelling. The script is tight and there are lots of laugh out loud moments with the show rattling along at a great pace.
Blaemire and Hughes ensure the show is interactive and actively include the audience in their enthusiastic storytelling. At the start of the show, the actors throw out small soft toy dogs to everyone in the audience representing the many dogs involved in the Soviet space programme. This immediately sets the tone for a fun and touching story. (Sadly we had to return the toys for re-use at the next show).
The production makes excellent use of lighting, sound effects, props and clever visual gags including the ascent of a glitter ball playing the part of Sputnik launching into space.
The performers are the driving force behind the production. Their passion and enthusiasm are completely infectious, filling the room with energy and chaos which never drops throughout the show. They effortlessly switch between comedy, narration and song, delivering a wealth of fascinating facts about the Soviet space programme and USSR and USA space race.
The talented duo play keyboards and guitars throughout the show and their original songs move the narrative along, revealing the extraordinary journey of the first animals sent into space, and particularly Laika, who, rather heartbreakingly, was selected partly because she had the cutest face. As the story unfolds, what begins as an entertaining history lesson gradually becomes something far more poignant.
Anything we'd change?
At just one act, the show never outstays its welcome.
Who would enjoy it?
Those who enjoy something new, different and a bit quirky.
Who Created It
Space Dogs is an original rock musical written, composed and performed by Nick Blaemire and Van Hughes, two American musical theatre writers and performers. The production is directed by Will Blum.
Verdict
Space Dogs is a charming, inventive and entertaining musical that transforms an extraordinary chapter of space history into an engaging theatrical experience. Packed with creativity, humour and genuine heart, it's a reminder that some of the most memorable theatre can be created with little more than two talented performers, clever ideas and a story worth telling.