Space Neighbours on Uranus

By Nathan Maynard

When and What

  • Future
  • Theatre
  • Incursion

Summary

  • Suitable for earthlings of all ages
  • Touring theatres and schools in 2026
  • Each performance runs for 1 hour and includes a Q&A
  • Non-verbal storytelling makes Space Neighbours ideal for younger audiences and diverse language groups

Impact

  • Crafted to travel lightly, minimise environmental impact, and prioritise locally sourced materials.
  • Created to inspire conversations about coexistence, belonging, and the planet we share.
An alien character in a teal layered costume with antenna-like protrusions leaps mid-air with arms outstretched and mouth wide open in a dramatic, comedic expression of surprise or fright.
Two alien characters in colourful layered costumes tower behind a delighted child in a pink onesie and space helmet, who holds a camera.

Description

All is not well in outer space.

Two aliens live next door to each other on Uranus but they are NOT FRIENDS. And they’ll never never ever be friends, ok?

But then an adorable visitor arrives, their differences are forgotten and that’s the end of the story with zero fuss! Phew! That's a relief.

But that wouldn’t be much of a story, now would it?

Pullout quote

A beautiful, thought-provoking message for the children - such a great starting point for so many current issues for children. Thank you.
– Teacher, reviewing Feathers, 2024.

Upcoming performances

2026

  • Lutruwita/Tasmania schools tour 29 June – 27 November
  • Theatre Royal Studio theatre, Hobart 8 – 10 October
An alien character in a purple and lilac layered costume with antenna-like protrusions reaches both arms forward with hands outstretched, as if grasping or gesturing urgently toward something out of frame.

Interested in Space Neighbours?

  • Two people stand behind a third person who is sitting on a small tricycle during a rehearsal. The seated person has flexible silver ducting and cardboard tubes wrapped around their shoulders and reacts with an open-mouthed expression, while the two behind them guide or steady them. Cardboard set pieces surround the group.
    Space Neighbours creative development, 2025. Image: Peter Mathew
  • Three people sit at a table during a workshop or rehearsal, smiling and looking toward someone off-camera. The person in the middle is pointing and there are papers, laptops and drink bottles are scattered across the table in front of them. Black curtains hang behind the group.
    Space Neighbours creative development, 2025. Image: Peter Mathew
  • Two people stand behind and guide a third person who is sitting on a small tricycle in a rehearsal room. The person on the tricycle grips the handlebars while the others place their hands on their shoulders. Cardboard set pieces surround them on the wooden floor.
    Space Neighbours creative development, 2025. Image: Peter Mathew
Two alien characters lean in toward the camera from either side of a large sculptural inflatable prop in pale blue. The teal alien on the left peers in with a cool, watchful expression, while the purple alien on the right flashes a peace sign and pulls a wide-eyed, comedic face. The entire scene is set within a textured blue environment.
Credit: Space Neighbours on Uranus creative development, 2026. Image: Peter Mathew