What happens when a cut-rate Australian space agency recruits a collection of "expendable" under-achievers to send to the Moon with plans to build a reality TV show around the concept?
That's the setting for comedian and actor Ross Daniels' latest one-man show, which marks 50 years since the first Moon landing.
Now 57, Ross has been working on stage and TV for more than 30 years.
"I was the baby of my family and always the class clown," he said. "I was a big fan of Robin Williams on TV but then discovered he also did stand-up. Steve Martin and Richard Prior were favourites, and when I was younger, I used to love Laugh-In."
While he writes most of his own material, his partner, playwright Emilie Collyer, and director and old mate Greg Perry play a significant role.
"You can never be sure what's going to make people laugh, but Emilie is a great sounding board. Generally if it makes her laugh, it probably won't work with an audience, but if she rolls her eyes, then it's likely to get a good audience response."
The heart of One Small Trip is Old Swampy, who used to operate the scoreboard at the Footscray AFL club's Western Oval. Today, like the other characters - including his son Terry; failed actor and alpha male Michael; and synth-pop has-been Graham - he struggles to remain relevant, and hopes the Moon mission will help.
Ross likes to make his characters relatable.
"Swampy is a lost soul and a metaphor for how we all feel sometimes," he said. "Michael's in his late 50s, wants to break into the US acting scene and hopes he might peak in the next couple of years. I guess he makes us all question whether we've done all we wanted to do in life.
"My own perspectives have changed as I've aged, and my writing has improved as a result. I think my humour is more inclusive now.
"Although I do find myself getting a bit grumpy about some things - like loud ads on television and parking spots being taken!"
One Small Trip runs from July 15-20 at The Butterfly Club, Carson Place, Melbourne. Tickets $31-$35. For times and bookings, visit thebutterflyclub.com and search under shows, or call the venue on 9663-8107.
