Indra Wilson sits on stage, surrounded by boxes filled with the items that will help her recount her life experiences of loss and grief. Dressed in a silver spacesuit, Wilson shares her lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut and travelling to space. With the help of NASA (and a sweet-talking, smooth-jazz playing, wine-drinking, small-talking box), she embarks on a mission. Float’s exploration of space, with its simple yet striking set design, uses handmade props, light, reflections and colour to create the vessel for a poetic journey into the galaxy, where every word carries a double meaning.

Ingeniously conceived, the parallels between space and motherhood emerge; even when scientifically explainable, both hold a unique magic and beauty that sparkle through the storytelling and visual cues on stage. Through monologues steeped in the rhythms of spoken-word poetry, Float conveys the highs and lows of dreaming, expecting and losing a child. Wilson’s passionate, vulnerable delivery is spine-shivering. The show never loses its guiding north star as it navigates societal pressures of age and gender, the demands of career, and the roles of daughter and mother. From the loss of a partner to the absence of a much-wanted child, Float is a moving story of resilience, healing, friendship, family and love. 

Float, Gilded Balloon Patter House, until 25 August, 6pm; main picture: Mihaela Bodlovic.