Dreamers, thinkers, tinkerers and madmen… the great Air Race has begun.
Inspired by the amazing true story of the 1919 Air Race from London to Australia, this exciting stage adventure explores an extraordinary moment in history when flight was inspiring a whole new way of looking at the world.
Seven teams take to the skies in a thrilling race to victory, chasing an adventure that will take them halfway across the planet. Maintaining their flying machines with found objects, random spare parts and the occasional wad of chewing gum, these aviators undertook their extraordinary journey at a time when ‘risk management’ just wasn’t a thing.
Will they survive? Will they make it to Australia? And whose stories matter when you’re making history?
From crash landings to disappearing planes, their stories range from harebrained and hilarious to deeply moving and sometimes tragic. Their incredible resourcefulness and unstoppable determination prove nothing is impossible.
Recommended for ages 8+
Written by award-winning playwright Dan Giovannoni, directed by Arena Artistic Director Christian Leavesley and starring some of Australia’s brightest talent, the world premiere of Air Race was held at Bendigo’s Capital Theatre in December 2018.
Air Race enjoyed a sell-out run at the 2019 Darwin Festival where it was praised for its unique ability to connect history, aviation and music, and deliver it to young audiences in a way that is engaging, modern and clever.
The Fannie Bay Historical Society sent members along to watch each of the Darwin performances, which coincided with the 100 year anniversary of the famous Air Race.
CREDITS
Director & Designer: CHRISTIAN LEAVESLEY
Writer: DAN GIOVANNONI
Composer: ANIA REYNOLDS
Lighting Designer: PAUL JACKSON
Costume Design: MATILDA WOODROOFE
Dramaturgy: SONYA SUARES
Stage Manager: KYRILEE BODIN
Production Manager: BEN VAN DILLEN
Set Builder: TOM EELES at JT Custom Builds
Design Development: CHRISTIAN LEAVESLEY, MARG HORWELL, JOLYON JAMES
Original Cast: CHI NGUYEN, HAMISH IRVINE, SIMONE FRENCH, VIDYA MAKIN