A family show by Lewis Hetherington and Ailie Cohen touring Scotland Autumn 2022
Based on the real-life story of eccentric engineer Gerhard Zucker, Rocket Post! tells the tale of how, in 1934, a rocket full of letters was blasted into the sky towards the Isle of Harris in what was deemed an innovation in communication…but things didn’t quite go to plan.
Rocket Post! is a collaboration between award-winning theatre makers Lewis Hetherington and designer, puppet-maker and performer Ailie Cohen, who together have delighted audiences with their family productions of Cloud Man and The Secret Life of Suitcases.
This October, Rocket Post! will be blasting into theatre spaces around Scotland shedding light on this little-known but extraordinary story of miscommunication and the magical discoveries that can happen when everything goes wrong. A delightful mix of storytelling, song and puppetry for everyone over six.
Rocket Post! is the first production by Ailie Cohen and Lewis Hetherington’s new company, Constellation Points, with Producer Sarah Gray. Devised in collaboration with MJ Deans, Deborah Arnott and David Rankine, supported by Creative Scotland’s Touring Fund. Originally commissioned by National Theatre of Scotland, this new production of Rocket Post! is specially made to pop up anywhere and create a joyful experience for communities to come together, and hear this remarkable story.
Thursday 29 September, 7pm – Keir Hall, Thornhill
Sunday 23 October, 3pm- CatStrand, New Galloway
Creative Team
Writer and Director – Lewis Hetherington
Designer – Ailie Cohen
Associate Director – Sam Hardie
Lighting Designer – Lizzie Powell
Composers and Sound Designers – Niroshini Thambar and Nik Paget-Tomlinson
Song arrangements – MJ McCarthy
Movement Director – Kane Husbands
About Ailie Cohen and Lewis Hetherington (Constellation Points)
Ailie and Lewis met one snowy winter in the North of Scotland, some years ago… They soon bonded over a love of creating theatre that uses objects, puppets and pictures to tell beautiful original stories which engage with the world we live in, and are full of heart, fun and magic.
They make work which is an invitation into fantastic and colourful story worlds which celebrate the extraordinary nature of the ordinary. Combining minimal, poetic text, a sumptuous handcrafted aesthetic and engaging characters they make work which lasts long in the imagination and memories of those who see it.
Together they have created Cloud Man and The Secret Life of Suitcases. Both productions have been presented as part of the Made in Scotland showcase. Their work has travelled all over the world, delighting audiences in China, Dubai, Japan, America, Australia and extensively throughout the UK.
