Homeward Bound

A beautiful and gentle play about an astronaut stranded at the end of the universe, the World Premiere of Homeward Bound, is sensitively acted and directed, and leaves its audience with a sense of hope.

Writer and performer Isaac Diamond brings great feeling, expert physicalisation and tangible depth to the central character, who upon waking from an induced sleep finds that his spaceship is many years off course and stranded in an unknown part of space. His humanoid computer, gorgeously played by Kylie Bywaters, provides some company, but despite her incredible power is unable to work out a way back to earth. Drawing on the inbuilt capabilities of migratory birds, and memories of his ornithologist mother, our traveller wonders if the innate ability of the birds may be his key to finding his way home.

Excellent performances are supported by a simple space set, that relies heavily on its lighting design by Rhiannon Peterson - whose expert use of colour and ability to dance adds a great deal to the story. Nicole Marrington’s costumes are supportive and effective.

Lovely storytelling that despite dealing with some heavy themes of isolation and loneliness, is easy to watch and leaves its audience uplifted.

Kimberley Shaw