The Void at Mansfield Palace Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde & Adam Sax
Prepare to enter ‘The Void’ at Mansfield Palace Theatre.
The year is 2160. Governments have collapsed. Earth is destroyed. Corporations take control and rescue humanity in huge ships searching for a new home through the darkness of space.
A ranger, alone in the solar system, a company man through and through, Flint (Alex Moran) pilots a ship scanning for signals of unknown origin. Intercepting a distress signal from an allied ship orbiting Saturn, Flint is intrigued. However, before any further information can be determined, the connection is lost, and Flint must travel from the void of space to the claustrophobic confines of this seemingly stranded ship, The Odyssey.
So begins a unique psychological sci-fi horror, ably presented by Thunder Road – the award winning creators of original, cinematic horror shows, with story by director Ryan Simons.
Without a doubt, this production is geared towards fans of these genres. If you love the Alien franchise, Event Horizon, 2001 A Space Odyssey and other mind-bending films of this ilk, The Void reimagines this aesthetic to great effect, on what you may first assume is a limiting media; the stage.
However, the innovative use of the small space creates a truly claustrophobic atmosphere, something wholly unique to the stage. Use of screens, back projection, sound design, generative video AI, lighting and some extremely clever stagecraft (to tell you more would be teetering into spoiler territory) all combine to effectively immerse an audience in the creeping sense of dread Flint experiences aboard The Odyssey. The ‘lived in” utilitarian aesthetic of those on the lower rungs of the future society are also reflected in the costume design. This isn’t the clean jump suits of a utopian civilisation in this tale. This is the grimy and derelict future of Ridley Scott’s Alien, where utility and function outweigh comfort and style. We are led to believe there is a higher class of off-world survivors, but this isn’t their story. The production values appear far higher than you’d expect for a theatre company of this size. It is clear a lot of care and passion has gone into shaping this world.
A commanding presence on the stage, Alex Moran embodies the conflicted Flint well, torn between loyalty to the company, and a desperate need to survive. His frantic and urgent delivery are ably contrasted by the quiet, singular intensity of survivor Blair (Ryan Simons), a scientist on board The Odyssey. The measured and controlled speech pattern of Blair vs the hot-headed and loud approach of Flint is an effective dramatic juxtaposition, as characters are tested physically and mentally throughout.
Circumstance and trauma draw the two ever closer into revealing the truth of what happened on The Odyssey. Again, to say more would be a spoiler.
Their, and our, guide through events is NOVA, the ships onboard AI system. Bringing moments of brevity in amongst the suspense, NOVA shows a potential future for the handy AI in your devices as it implants itself further into human existence.
A unique theatrical treat which stands out from the crowd and delivers shocks and pathos in equal measure. This is independent theatre at its best delivered by a passionate team of talented creatives who clearly revel and excel in this genre.
Open the airlock and take a step into The Void.
Four Stars
Rating: 4/5
‘The Void – A Space Horror’ this Tuesday 23rd September 2025, 19:30 at £19.
Book online https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/events/event/4285/the-void-a-space-horror- Or contact the box office on 01623 463 133.
Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield Palace Theatre, Leeming St, Mansfield NG18 1NG
The UK wide tour continues until 10th October. Visit https://www.thunderroadtheatre.org/thevoid/tour for more information.
The Mansfield Palace Theatre is a charmingly restored Edwardian venue in the heart of the town. Well regarded for its intimate atmosphere and friendly staff, offering a diverse programme of live entertainment for all ages. Amenities include a licensed bar (Groucho’s), a reasonably priced kiosk for refreshments, and comfortable seating with good views of the stage from all areas. The theatre is also committed to accessibility, providing wheelchair spaces, hearing loops, accessible toilets, and a lift to the balcony level. Its appeal lies in its combination of historic character with modern facilities and its strong connection to the local community.