*Norifumi Hida is from Japan but currently resides in London to train as a Specialist in Drama and Theatre in Education. He works as an Associate Trainee Writer with Box Clever Theatre Company in London, and is studying for his MFA in Theatre Directing at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex. Within his productions he explores contemporary issues facing young people, and seeks to introduce Japanese children’s literature to a wider audience. Night of the Milky Way Railroadis his first production in the UK.

Giovanni lives with his terminally ill mother in a small town. One afternoon, as Giovanni fetches the milk he is delighted to see people preparing beautiful decorations for the Star Festival later that night. As he watches happily, Zanelli accompanied by a group of Giovanni's classmates appears out of the shadows. They spot him and start jeering, "Giovanni, a fisherman’s jacket is coming for you!". Giovanni feels his chest suddenly freeze. He runs away up a hill near the town. Miserable, he looks up at the night sky.

"Milky Way Station! Milky Way Station!"

Suddenly, without knowing how, Giovanni is travelling on a little train with his best friend Campanella. Campanella asks Giovanni a question: what is the best happiness? The two boys embark on an extraordinary adventure through the world of the Milky Way where all their perceptions are challenged.