Join the Mystery at Moontopia

Moontopia is a new mystery play at B-Arts in Stoke-on-Trent.

The interactive show will run from Wednesday 16th March – Saturday 19th March at 7.30pm, with an additional 2.30pm show on Saturday

Meeting at one of three secret locations, visitors will join a team of 20 other special investigators and
follow the trail deep into the heart and soul of the B-Arts universe. On the way, starry characters will guide the audience through a galaxy of creative surprises where clues will pop up to help solve the mystery of Moontopia.

Moontopia has been created and devised in collaboration with theatre maker and director Andrew Loretto, dramaturg Richard Hurford and a creative team of artists and makers at B-arts.

Moontopia welcome local performer-facilitators Martin Gooding, Jessica Simm and Solaya Rowley , with a guest appearance from international artist Sharon Richards and a cast of talented community performers.

Performer-facilitator Solaya Rowley said: “Moontopia is such an important show to bring to the community because its accessibility of magic for all ages. I love the organic process of playing and also representing my own community within the wider community.”

Kath Walton, Creative Engagement Worker at B arts and Creative Producer for Moontopia
said: “We have created this piece of work in collaboration with members of our local neighbourhood in Stoke on Trent, our Space to Connect advisory group, our friends at ASHA North Staffordshire, Amity Hub in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and the residents of St Dominic’s Court.”

All three secret meeting locations are close to the B-Arts building. B-Arts asks for requests on bookings for routes to suit visitors to Moontopia.

Route 1 – this is the smoothest route (1 minute) with no stairs and not far to travel, but still
plenty to discover on the way.
Route 2 – this is the longest route (5 minutes) for people who like a bit of fresh air with their
mystery. It includes an accompanied road-crossing.
Route 3 – this is the route (3 minutes) with some ups and downs – downhill and upstairs. It
includes an accompanied road-crossing.

Directions and further instructions for the Moontopia experience will be sent after bookings.

Dramaturg, Richard Hurford said: “MOONTOPIA is the kind of joyful, ambitious, fun, but also passionately hopeful show that only a multi-faceted organisation like B-Arts can create. As a freelance theatre-maker, it’s been a special joy to be welcomed into their bright and surprising world with such vision, commitment, openness and honest kindness. With such a richly talented and generous team of artists, makers, producers and community participants not even the sky is the limit – and I can promise that everyone who
comes to participate in MOONTOPIA will experience that for themselves in more ways than one.”

Artistic Director Susan Clarke said: “We are delighted to be presenting a completely new work, “Moontopia” in March this year. The idea for the show has come from working with people throughout the
pandemic and all of our hopes and dreams for finding better ways to live together. Thanks to our funders “Moontopia” has been a great opportunity to welcome Andrew Loretto to the city. Andrew is a highly experienced director and producer, working with many nationally significant companies including Opera North, Company Chameleon and Gecko, So it’s very exciting to have him working with us here at B arts.
“Moontopia” has been a great project for us to extend and diversify the artists in our creative talent pool- especially fore-fronting artists with queer, transgender and non-binary identities. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to “Moontopia” and can’t wait for lift off in March.”

Tickets are £15 for an adult, £12.50 concession, £7.50 for a child and a family ticket can be
purchased for £40. All tickets include food and drink as part of the experience visiting Moontopia. Tickets can be purchased here www.ticketsource.co.uk/B-art

Behind the scenes and community performer roles are also available. For any other queries email kath.walton@b-arts.org.uk