It is Andrea's birthday and she is given a mystery present, an old and battered telescope. Who could have sent it? And why are the evil Odds and Bodkin so keen to get their hands on it? With the help of Galileo, an astronaut and Sir Isaac Newton, Andrea discovers the secrets of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars, and helps make history itself.

Based on Attainment Target 4 of the National Curriculum for Science, The Starry Messenger is a race through time and space. Quantum Theatre meets Quantum Leap in this time travel adventure.

Keystage 1 - 5-8 years (55 mins approx) The subject mailer is dealt with from an historical angle. With Galileo we learn that the Earth circles the Sun and that it spins to cause day and night. Day length and year length are discussed. With the help of the audience Sir Isaac Newton demonstrates the solar system and Neil Armstrong shows us the phases of the moon.

Keystage 2 - 8-13 years (1 hour approx) As above, and in addition we discover the force of Gravity. We see that the Earth's pulling force is uniform, that everything has a force of Gravity and from this we are shown how the pulling force of the Sun holds the planets in their orbit. With Neil Armstrong we discover the reasons for the phases of the moon

Teachers' Notes, which give a more in-depth rundown of The Starry Messenger's science content, are provided with each booking. To have a look at them now click for Key Stage 1 and for Key Stage 2 notes. The images are quite large so may take a little time to load..

Running Time: Approximately fifty-five minutes for Keystage 1 and one hour for Keystage 2. In addition the actors will take questions at the end of the show.

Requirements: We will need an area 15' x 15' and 8' in height and a domestic power supply. We need forty-five minutes before and thirty minutes after each show to set-up and dismantle the scenery and equipment.

Northern based this Spring 2010

Please call for availability in the Midlands and the South