REVIEW! Space Dogs at The Other Palace, August 2026

My first visit to The Other Palace Studio was to see Space Dogs, an ingenious rock musical that tells the unbelievably true story of Laika, the stray dog who became the  first living creature to orbit the Earth after being launched into space by the Soviet Union during the Cold War Space Race. Following a successful Off-Broadway premiere in New York in 2022, the production has now landed in London for a limited run, bringing its unique blend of history, comedy and heart to an intimate audience.

Written, composed and performed by Van Hughes and Nick Blaemire, Space Dogs is an extraordinary theatrical feat. The pair play every character themselves, from Laika and the mysterious Chief Designer to Soviet politicians, scientists and an entire pack of Russian dogs, using little more than guitars, puppets, props and boundless imagination. What begins as a quirky, high-energy rock concert gradually unfolds into a surprisingly moving story about ambition, sacrifice and the pursuit of progress.

Under Will Blum's assured direction, the production never loses momentum, seamlessly balancing outrageous comedy with moments of genuine poignancy, allowing the emotional beats to land without ever feeling overly sentimental. The infectious rock score is as varied as the story itself, from the hilarious "Russian Canine Beauty Pageant"  to the heartbreaking "Fuzziest Loneliest", and really catchy “Werner Von Braun” that was more of an electric feel. The music never overshadowed the storytelling but instead deepened its emotional impact. I was delighted to discover there was a cast album waiting for me afterwards, and it provided the perfect soundtrack for the journey home, a sure sign that the music had made a lasting impression.

The Studio proved to be the perfect setting for Space Dogs. Its intimate atmosphere immediately drew the audience into the action, with the stage already dressed with an eclectic collection of props and musical instruments that would bring the story to life. The stripped-back set also encouraged plenty of audience participation, with the endlessly charismatic Blaemire and Hughes effortlessly breaking the fourth wall. At one point, stuffed toy dogs were thrown into the audience for us to look after throughout the performance, a surprisingly touching detail that made it genuinely difficult to hand them back.

Rather than presenting Laika's story as a sombre historical drama, Space Dogs embraces the unexpected. Blending high-energy rock music with absurd comedy, documentary-style storytelling and moments of genuine poignancy, the production constantly shifts between laughter and heartbreak. Those tonal changes mirror the surreal nature of the true events, making the emotional impact all the more powerful when the reality of Laika's fate finally catches up with the audience.

What truly elevates Space Dogs, however, is the astonishing versatility of Van Hughes and Nick Blaemire. Never leaving the stage, they transition effortlessly between characters, instruments and narrative, often changing personas in a matter of seconds. Their performances are fuelled by boundless energy, impeccable comic timing and a genuine emotional sincerity that ensures even the most outlandish moments feel grounded. Supported by an infectious rock score and inventive staging, the duo create an entire world from remarkably little, proving that great theatre relies on imagination as much as spectacle.

Space Dogs completely exceeded my expectations. It turned out to be an inventive, thought-provoking and genuinely moving piece of theatre. I learned so much, laughed throughout and found myself humming its infectious rock score long after the curtain came down.

The true mark of Space Dogs is that it leaves you wanting to know more. I found myself reading about Laika and the real events that inspired the musical as soon as I got home, a testament to how engaging and affecting the storytelling is. Be warned, this isn’t your typical west end show or a traditional musical, if you're looking for something original, funny and unexpectedly emotional, I'd highly recommend catching Space Dogs during its limited run at The Other Palace Studio before it closes on 9th August 2026.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Written by Emma Knott on behalf of The Theatre Flyer

Book Space Dogs here.