Can You Hear Me Major Tom? (2026 Edition)
Mark Wheeller
Genre: Verbatim Drama
Cast size: 7
Duration: 45 mins approx
Mark Wheeller | Verbatim Drama | One Act | 4m, 3f
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
- Reviews
David Bowie died of cancer on 10th January 2016 and this news shook a generation of music lovers.
This play is a bold, newly-expanded verbatim celebration of David Bowie’s life, legacy and the constellation of creativity he sparked in those who loved him. Drawing on fan interviews, this vibrant tribute charts his extraordinary career and reveals how six very different fans were inspired to launch artistic, personal and community-driven missions in the wake of his passing.
Meet:
Andy - visionary creator of the David Bowie Glamour fanzine, now a coveted collector’s treasure.
Wendy - tireless fundraiser and driving force behind the Bowie Bandstand / Beckenham Oddity events that ignite Croydon Park for many years.
Charlie - the astonishing vocal chameleon at the heart of leading tribute band David Live.
Jasmine - a blogger who found the courage to overcome deep-seated fears in order to personally honour her hero.
Helen - a freelance illustrator whose Time May Change Me animation captured global attention as a poignant, viral tribute.
Mark - the playwright, who credits Bowie, or rather Ziggy Stardust - with opening his door to the magic of theatre.
Their stories intertwine with intimate reflections from guitarist Keith Christmas, a close collaborator during the making of the album later known as Space Oddity, who offers a grounded, behind-the-scenes counterpoint to the fans’ passion.
The result: a dynamic, heartfelt mosaic of memory, music and metamorphosis—celebrating the artist who changed everything.
The Bowie quotes Mark Wheeller selected for the original production MUST be used where indicated in the script and should be purchased separately as a download from Stagescripts
The original musical vocal and underscore is by Paul Ibbott and voiced by Charlie Fowler (DavidLive). Lyrics by Mark Wheeller. The PV Score (PV-1055) and Quotes with Backing Tracks (AB-1055) are available to purchase on the same webpage as ‘Can You Hear Me Major Tom’ by Mark Wheeller.
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