DO ASTRONAUTS MASTURBATE IN SPACE?: London Screening & Q&A w/ Artistic Team

This film contains distressing (or potentially triggering) themes; gun-shots, mentions of suicide, domestic violence, abortion, mild sexual content and Nigel Farage. Recommended Viewing Age: 18+

Agenda:

• Doors Open: 6:15pm (welcome to gather before, as Close-Up will be open as a bar anyway)
• Recorded Intro with Cast & Director: 6:30pm
• Screening Starts: 6:45pm
• Screening Ends: 8:00pm
• Drinks: 8:00pm - Late

Play Synopsis: In an overpopulated Britain, a law called the Parental Act requires everyone to obtain a license to have children. This electric dark comedy follows charming young couple Lily and Gareth, who after falling pregnant, must attend a week-long “retreat" where their baby’s fate is decided by the State. Failing the retreat means a forced abortion, but they’re confident it’ll be a breeze. Once inside, however, cracks begin to show. Secrets surface and amid intense scrutiny, their love is pushed to the limit as they fight for their license and their future.

Play Inspiration & Development: Do Astronauts Masturbate in Space? is ‘Gavin & Stacey’ meets ‘1984’. Written and produced by emerging British actors and playwrights Briony Martha and Zak Reay-Barry, Do Astronauts Masturbate in Space? Is a dystopian dark comedy premiering at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Expect an absurdist comedy and a very human drama about a loving couple being pulled apart by their own Government. The play has been developed over the past 8 months through various methods including a Dramaturgy Feedback Session with industry professionals. This is Briony Martha and Zak Reay-Barry’s first written project together. The two writers aim to champion and create a space for regional voices in their work and to make work that reflects the world that we currently live in. Do Astronauts Masturbate in Space? is a witty, electric and powerful response to the current political climate in the U.K.

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This will be followed by drinks, and you're warmly invited to stick around.

All proceeds made in the event will go towards film festival and exhibition fees for future events.

Please note that we may have photography and filming at the event, please give us a message if you would like to be exempt from any photography or filming.

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How To Get To The Venue

Close-Up Film Centre is conveniently linked by public transport, as it's in the Heart of Shoreditch and just off-piste from the famous Brick Lane Market.

The nearest stations/stops are as follows:

Shoreditch High Street Station (5 Minute Walk) - London Overground (East London Line Branch)

Aldgate East Station (13 Minute Walk) - London Underground (District & H&C Lines)

Liverpool Street Station (15 Minute Walk) - London Underground (Central, H&C, Circle, Metropolitan), London Overground and TfL Rail.

Bethnal Green Station (20 Minute Walk) - London Underground (Central Line)

Bus Routes Served: 8/N8, 26/N26, 35/N35, 47, 48, 55/N55, 67, 78, 149, 242, 243, 388

You can get a Taxi/Cab which will drop you off right in front of the cinema building, although it won't be able to stop for long as it's a narrow street which can be busy on a Friday night.

There is free on-street parking available (after 5.30pm on weekdays), although it's limited.

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