The much trumpeted Mars 1 project has failed – in a disaster which was broadcast live across the world.

Curious Directive’s multi-layered and thought-provoking play documents the people trying to safely land the first humans on the surface of Mars in the next mission, Ghara One, and the recklessness, curiosity and heroism necessary to get them there.

The production uses an ingenious mix of projection, sound effects and minimal props – including three large moveable pieces of circular scenery – to represent everything from take-off rockets to a lunar module to a city nightclub.

The multiple story strands focus on well-drawn disparate characters, from the ultra-efficient head of Ghara One Mission Control Shari Dasgupta - a stand-out performance by Avita Jay - to knockabout brothers Ivan and Alyosha Korolev (Jesse Briton and James Hardy) travelling across Russia on a roadtrip inspired by the ground-breaking work of their great grandfather.

At times the many threads leave the audience feeling like they too are floating in space.

But the story is expertly weaved together to an inspiring conclusion – underlining both the sacrifices which need to be made for scientific advancement, the importance of exploring other planets, and, as Ivan says, that there is only one small step from lunatic to pioneer.

Don’t miss.