Exploring Space for a New Musical
“Could you build me a distant lighthouse, with you the light to guide me home?”
Lyric
With spectacular timing for this new musical featuring travel in outer space, I went to see Theo Jamieson’s Flyby on the night the Artemis astronauts were to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Framing the love story between Daniel Defoe (Stuart Thompson) and Emily Baker (Poppy Gilbert) are scenes where Daniel flies into space as an astronaut. By way of introduction, a member of the Chorus, Jonathan Jay (Rupert Young) narrates the history of the European Space Commission (ESC).
Jay tells us that the ESC has lost two capsules, one nicknamed The Ostrich when 34 year old astronaut Daniel Defoe stole the spaceship and set off the farthest any human being has been from Earth. Sound familiar? It should do! Behind the narrator are screens with technical data, photos of the solar system and a video link of Daniel in his state of the art spacesuit, filmed from the capsule. The following scenes will fill in the jigsaw pieces as to how and why Daniel Defoe set off on a journey of isolation like that of the original Defoe’s protagonist, Robinson Crusoe.
The three strong Chorus are all major musical stars in their own right, taking a smaller role for the world premiere of Flyby which was developed last year under the auspices of the National Theatre. In addition to Rupert Young, Gina Beck plays Amy Greenwood and Simbi Akande is Grace Adams.
Emily has a career in television like her famous film maker father. Her personality is volatile and electric making her both attractive and challenging. Her romance with Daniel is full of upheaval and explosive songs. Both Daniel and Emily have issues bordering on mental health dysfunction. Emily’s TV employer Hilary bullies her and Emily describes meeting Hilary , “as like being hit by a lightning bolt!” As Daniel listens to Emily, he starts to look bored and impassive. Emily taunts him as a scientist not having the same capacity for feeling as those in artistic professions.
In amazing printed spread sheet screens by director Adam Lenson, we learn of the many times in Daniel’s life when he has been hurt or felt rejected. These listed incidents number over 2000, some of them minor but many with a deeper impact. He also describes aged 8, a moving encounter with a giant turtle which gave him comfort and inspiration. There is a similar explanation of Emily’s difficulties, her father’s infidelity shared with his daughter and his wife unaware in “Build Me”. This information feeds into the disintegration of their relationship as Emily rages against Daniel and as he tells her he cannot spend all his life with her, a siren sounds continuously.
Some of the narrative may require refinement but I suspect on seeing Flyby again, all will fall into place. A six piece band support is veiled above the stage with excellent strings. There are wonderful views of the night sky projected, the listing screens and the space capsule of The Ostrich. Sound effects recreate those of space missions.
Of course this a musical and the singing is very strong from all; the important lyrics and tunes reminiscent of Sondheim’s musical shifts. Stuart Thompson has a beautiful tenor voice and Poppy Gilbert is strong vocally in the more argumentative part. Both have mastered the rigour of acting while they sing so we can feel their emotions to the full. All the end of a relationship pain is explored as Emily sings “Mission Accomplished”. Daniel makes arrangements to move out his possessions and is recruited for the space mission.
There is a tremendously cathartic ending concentrating on Daniel’s solo space flight. It is very moving as he relives some of the cruel insults which were thrown at him in “What Would I Give?” There is a heartwarming ending of hope and connection walking around the stage. Yes Daniel, “You are beautiful!”
Production Notes
Flyby
Written and composed by Theo Jamieson
Co-created and directed by Adam Lenson
Cast
Starring:
Stuart Thompson
Poppy Gilbert
Rupert Young
Gina Beck
Simbi Akande
Creatives
Director: Adam Lenson
Set Designer: Libby Todd
Costume Designer: Eleanor Bull
Lighting Designer: Ben Jacobs
Musical Director: Ben Kubiak
Sound Director: Kelsh Buckman-Drage
Information
Running Time: One hour 45 minutes
Booking to 16th May 2026
Theatre:
Southwark Playhouse THE LARGE
Newington Causeway
London SE1 6BD
Rail/Tube: Elephant and Castle
Website: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge
at the Southwark Playhouse
on 10th April 2026