Written by Tim Foley

Created by Ransack Theatre

A desperate mission. An untested crew. A long shot no one expects to work.

Somewhere far beyond Earth, a barely-functional spacecraft drifts on a mission most people have already written off. The real scientists are doing the real work back home. Sent into the void: whoever’s left.

Clarke wants to get back. Baby won’t leave the ship. Witney is staying away from their mother. They were never meant to be astronauts. But they are what’s out there.

When something goes wrong in the silence of space, the crew are forced into a decision far bigger than they’re prepared for; a choice not just about survival, but about what kind of future is worth chasing across the galaxy

Written by Bruntwood Prize-winning playwright Tim Foley, Life Out There is a sharp, funny and quietly horrifying new sci-fi drama, exploring the ethics of space exploration, human selfishness, and the fragile hope that we can still change. 

Life Out There premieres at The Lowry, Salford in July 2026.

It has been co-commissioned through ThickSkin's Supported Artist Programme and Made at The Engine Room. Developed with support from the National Theatre’s Generate programme, The Lowry’s Artist Development Programme and the Arts Council England.

This is the second collaboration between Ransack Theatre and Tim Foley, following their previous production about dinosaurs called Jurassic. This time, they’re looking to the stars.

“Foley’s writing is a dotty delight” Guardian on Jurassic

“...it’s genius” ★★★★ Theatre&Tonic (Jurassic)

“a very impressive company." ★★★★ Manchester Theatre Awards (on Ransack Theatre, for Moth)
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Any age guidance: 14+
Running Time: 95 mins