In development

42 Balloons

Book, music & lyrics by Jack Godfrey · Directed by Ellie Coote

Inspired by the true story of Larry Walters, a Los Angeles truck driver who tied 42 weather balloons to a lawn chair in 1982 and rose 16,000 feet into the sky. Set to a score steeped in 1980s pop, it premiered at The Lowry in 2024, winning Jack Godfrey a Stage Debut Award, and had its North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2025.

Status

In development

World premiere

The Lowry, Salford, England, 2024

North American premiere

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier, 2025

Chicago cast

Charlie McCullagh (Larry Walters) · Evelyn Hoskins (Carol Van Deusen) · Lisa Howard (Margaret) · Akron Watson (Ron)

Creative team

Set design Milla Clarke · Video design Andrzej Goulding

Our role

Investor