Buy cheap tickets for Boozr
It's Not Rocket Science

It’s Not Rocket Science at theSpace@Surgeons’ Hall is presented by Nottingham New Theatre, England’s only fully student-run theatre venue. It’s a charming and challenging exploration of the ongoing battles girls face when making decisions about what to study and throughout their careers when faced with male domination and the glass ceiling.

a charming and challenging exploration of the ongoing battles girls face

Written and directed by Cecilia Alexander the story follows Eve as she grows up. Her childhood fascination with space and rockets leads to studying physics at school where she soon realises that as a young woman she will have to work far harder and be more pushy than any boy if she wants her voice to be heard. She has to do this at university, during the interview in front of an all white male panel and every day in her job. She even has to contend with women who have succumbed to male expectations and just go with the flow. By now, all of this is well known, but it is backed up in this play by verbatim recordings from over twenty female aerospace professionals from around the world in a subtle piece of epic theatre that presents the daily reality of life in a man's world. What we see and hear is an amalgamation of their stories quoted both directly and indirectly within the production.

Eve goes on to be a mother, another full time job she combines with her professional career, as women have to do, and has a daughter. It leaves the lingering question as to whether life will be any easier for the next generation and the extent to which women will still have to fight for a voice at the table.

One of the many joys of this piece is the calm, analytical and, dare one say, scientific way in which the material is presented. The evidence is laid out and presented in a story that develops logically and sensitively. There’s no screaming, ranting or chanting of the message and that makes it all the more powerful, especially when combined with the moments of humour. India Agravat, as Eve, matures in front of us and she captures the essence of each age in her delivery, making the process of growing up and facing life’s challenges entirely credible. Caitie Pardoe and Kishan Ganatra respectively, multi-role in female and male parts. They create a galaxy of characters that are recognisable and idiosyncratic even in the short space of time each one exists.

This team possesses considerable talent spread across writing, direction and performance. They should indeed reach for the stars in developing further works of this quality.

Visit Show Website

Reviews by Richard Beck

The Keiller Shopping Centre, Chapel Street

Gruoch: The Lady Macbeth

★★★★
Barons Court Theatre

Horatio & Hamlet

★★★★★
Gielgud Theatre

Juno and the Paycock

★★★
Almeida Theatre

Roots

★★★★
Almeida Theatre

Look Back In Anger

★★★★
Greenwich Theatre

Jez Butterworth’s The River

★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

'It’s a man’s world' they say, looking at Earth. But beyond that, the vast expanse we call ‘space’, is largely unknown, unclaimed; a free for all. At least, it could be if my boss stopped calling me ‘sweetheart’. Eve always knew she belonged in the stars, but those on Earth keep bringing her down. Watch her grow up and grow wiser about how rocket science is the easy part, but being treated equally isn’t. This piece of verbatim theatre uses interviews from over 20 female aerospace professionals and presents their experiences navigating this male-dominated industry.
Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
Buy cheap tickets for Boozr

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Wicked

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
The Lion King

From £46.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Pirates of Penzance
The Pirates of Penzance

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for MJ The Musical
MJ The Musical

From £25.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Six
Six

From £42.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Pretty Vacant
Buy cheap tickets for Stiletto
Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for Les Miserables
Buy cheap tickets for Robin Hood and the Christmas Heist
Buy cheap tickets for Cinderella Kings Head
Buy cheap tickets for Alls Well That Ends Well
Buy cheap tickets for Mrs Doubtfire
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners