Blaenafon Ironworks
Published

On 25 September, UNESCO World Heritage Site Blaenavon Ironworks will play host to an epic ‘rocket launch’ ― with tickets for the live event released today (13 September).

The iconic event will see Infinity Space Wales ― a space agency imagined by Tin Shed Theatre Co. ― take over the Cadw heritage site for an immersive, site-specific production examining Welsh identity, legacy, and the nation’s place in the universe.

The family-friendly spectacle follows local space cadet Elin in her journey into outer space, investigating the source of “The Blip”.

Inviting audiences to experience the thrill of a real-life rocket launch, the show will be fully accessible with BSL interpretation, subtitles, and audio description available.

George Harris, Company Director of Tin Shed Theatre Co. said:

“When we first went to Blaenavon, we identified it as a town which was really invested in its cultural heritage.

“The Ironworks felt like the perfect space to create a vast piece of outdoor theatre, specific to the site and tackling the largest concept we could conceive: space exploration.

“We’re so excited to be bringing such a timely, immersive outdoor production to an iconic space in south Wales. Having had to postpone the show for a year due to lockdown restrictions in 2020, we’re happy to finally be able to take to the stage.”

Tickets for Rocket Launch Blaenavon, taking place 25 September 2021 at 7:30pm, can be purchased here, with tickets costing £5. 600 tickets have been made available for the outdoor event to allow for effective social distancing.

However, those unable to attend the production in-person won’t have to miss out, as Rocket Launch Blaenavon will be live-streamed free on iswales.com from 25 September ― with viewers able to sneak a peek at last-minute preparations and set-up ahead of the actual event. The livestream will have BSL interpretation and subtitles available.

To get accustomed to the sounds, textures, and lights of the show, audience members are also encouraged to visit “The Space” pop-up shop on Broad Street, Blaenavon ― which will be open from Thursday to Sunday every week from now until the show on Saturday 25 September.

A limited number of free tickets to experience Rocket Launch are available to Blaenavon residents via “The Space” pop-up shop on Broad Street, Blaenavon. To access free tickets, locals much bring one document proving residency.

Ideal for any children with Autism Spectrum Condition or similar additional needs, “The Space” has been designed to provide a sensory introduction to the performance ― and build up excitement among budding space cadets.

Ffion Reynolds, Heritage and Arts Manager at Cadw, said:

“Rocket Launch Blaenavon celebrates 20 years of Blaenavon Ironworks’ listing as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and we can’t wait to welcome “Infinity Space Wales” to the Ironworks for what’s sure to be an incredible evening of live theatre.

“We hope the local community enjoy the spectacle, and that it inspires even more visits to our collection of heritage sites across the country.”

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden MS, said:

“We are lucky in Wales to have so many brilliant venues to host outdoor arts productions, and I’m thrilled to see that Blaenavon Ironworks will be the site for an innovative, ambitious work of theatre.

“Outdoor arts productions offer audiences such unique experiences, and I’m confident the success of Rocket Launch Blaenavon will encourage even more theatre and arts companies to consider staging their work here in Wales.”

Rocket Launch Blaenavon has been made possible by funding from Welsh Government, Arts Council for Wales.