The Lightest Element

Tour synopsis, cast & creatives

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... World Premiere.

Cast/Performers

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

Creatives/Company

Author: Stella Feehily
Producer: Hampstead Theatre
Director(s): Alice Hamilton, Gabrielle Dawes (CDG - casting), Olivia Munk (assistant)
Design: Sarah Beaton
Lighting: Johanna Town
Sound: Harry Blake
Other: Andy Reader (production manager)
Stage Manager(s): Jane Salberg, Olivia Kerslake (deputy), Roma Radford (assistant)