The Lightest Element Tickets

‘Nothing compares with being the first person in the history of the world to see something, but timing is everything. The world has to be ready for you.’

Boston 1956. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, one of the most eminent astronomers of the twentieth century, is about to be appointed Chair of Astronomy and the first woman to head a Harvard department. Only two things stand in her way: a covert investigation aimed at exposing her as a communist sympathiser, and the entrenched conservatism of her male colleagues.

When a student journalist asks to profile her it feels like an opportunity to control her own narrative – assuming, of course, that the invitation is actually what it seems…

Who is in the cast of The Lightest Element?

Maureen Beattie as Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Steffan Cennydd as Norman / Professor Varney, Simon Chandler as Professor Fred Whipple, Hari Kang as Budd Philips / Professor Richardson / Ensemble, Annie Kingsnorth as Sally Kane, Rina Mahoney as Rona Stewart, Simon Markey as Professor Schwenger / Ensemble, Julian Wadham as Professor Henry Norris Russell / Professor Frank Cabot

Who are the creative team of The Lightest Element?

Playwright: Stella Feehily

Directed by Alice Hamilton, with design by Sarah Beaton, lighting by Johanna Town, sound by Harry Blake, casting by Gabrielle Dawes, production management by Andy Reader, and assistance from Olivia Munk as Assistant Director, Jane Salberg as Company Stage Manager, Olivia Kerslake as Deputy Stage Manager, and Roma Radford as Assistant Stage Manager.