42 Balloons at The Lowry
Shekina Rose, Families Editor
We have lift off! 42 Balloons, the brand-new uplifting musical from the producers of SIX, is now on at The Lowry. This amazing show opened on 18 April to standing ovations, incredible feedback and sold-out performances – stories about dreams, hope and never giving up are definitely just the ticket for audiences at the moment!
It’s 2 July 1982, and something extraordinary is happening above the streets of Los Angeles. Armed with nothing but a lawn chair and 42 helium-filled weather balloons, truck driver Larry Walters is defying all odds (and FAA airspace regulations) as he soars an incredible sixteen thousand feet above the city. Yes, you read that right – sixteen thousand feet. In a chair. Is this the real-life UP?
This hard-to-believe true story comes to life in 42 Balloons, a sensational new musical about chasing your dreams and aiming high. Join Larry and his partner Carol Van Deusen as they gather their friends and family to help make the impossible, possible.
Featuring a toe-tapping, ’80s pop-inspired musical score, the production invites you to consider that age-old question – how far would you go to make your dreams come true? Is the sky truly the limit, and what happens when things don’t go according to plan?
42 Balloons is packed with talented creatives and cast members. The cast line-up includes Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Gypsy, Spring Awakening) and Charlie McCullagh (Bonnie & Clyde, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Larry and Carol, reprising their roles from the 2022 staged concert performances in the West End.
The book, music and lyrics have been written by Jack Godfrey whose other works include This is a Love Story (Dundee Rep, Birmingham Hippodrome) and Babies (Lyric Theatre, West End).
Jack said, “I am so excited for the full production of 42 Balloons coming to the Lowry in April. It’s been about six years since I started writing the show after discovering the incredible story of Larry’s flight during a late-night online deep dive, and it’s extremely cool and slightly surreal to see it being realised as a full production for the first time. I’m extremely grateful for the amazing cast and creative team bringing the show to life and I can’t wait to share 42 Balloons with everyone.”
42 Balloons at The Lowry has been produced by an incredible award-winning team – Andy Barnes and Wendy Barnes from Global Musicals (SIX, The Choir of Man, Pieces of String, Lift) and Kevin McCollum from Alchemation (Mrs Doubtfire, SIX, Rent, Avenue Q), in association with The Lowry, Debbie Hicks, Sam Levy, S&Co and Kenny Wax.
Wendy Barnes said, “It’s our passion to produce new musicals with original stories – and original scores – by emerging artists, and we can’t wait for audiences to discover 42 Balloons and fall in love with the show as much as we have. Jack’s created a beautiful musical inspired by a remarkable true story from the early 80’s and has written a pop score that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the hits of that decade.”
42 Balloons is fast becoming a soaring success. Be part of this extraordinary journey – book your tickets now and fly high with Larry, Carol and friends as they make history.
Recommended for ages 12+.
