Constellations at Brockley Jack Studio Theatre Review

Photo by Samuel Daltry

Written by Philip for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review

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Constellations by Nick Payne is primarily a play of love throughout the multiverse. It focuses on a young couple, Marianne and Roland and how they meet and meet again. Every universe gives a different version, a different look, a different feel to our protagonists. Its last major revival in 2021 was a glorious triumph with 4 pairings of acting giants to take on the tale. Tonight, however, the surroundings are intimate and understated. But does Constellations still shine just as bright? 

Marianne, a cosmetologist, and Roland, a beekeeper, spend a lifetime milling around each other, but not just in one life. Their lives collide and crash together in an infinite number of lifetimes. Each scene plays again and again, giving a glimpse of the decisions and choices being made in every variation before gently moving on to another point in time. Nick Payne creates many a moving and powerful moment interlaced with warmth and humour. Though you only see snapshots of Marianne and Roland’s lives, you feel every emotion. The dizzying heights of young love, the heartache in a break up, the joys of a reunion and the gut-wrenching final scenes. Payne takes his audience on a real rollercoaster. 

Director George Derry guides his performers with elegance. He masterfully takes a rather complex script and seems to make it manageable. While Derry’s staging is simple, it is classic and makes sure to use the full playing area that the Jack Studio has to offer. The use of mirrors as if looking into portals of parallel universes was inspired.

This two-hander had a pair of outstanding young performers to tell the tale. Costanza Pucci Di Montaltino and Freddy Williams as Marianne and Roland respectively were brilliant. Watching each new thought and each new emotion come to them with every flick of the lights was a real treat to see up close. Pucci Di Montaltino gave Marianne such a feisty edge. She was strong and prickly. It was lovely to see her mellow and soften as the story progressed. Williams’ Roland was a complete juxtaposition. More often than not, playing warm and lovable. He too got his chance to shine though in the more serious moments. Williams was a very thoughtful Roland. Both actors brought so much delicious awkwardness to their counterparts at the beginning of their love story that it made the low points hit so much harder.

Constellations is indeed a stellar play. It is a dazzling look at the endless possibilities of love and life. This production shines just as brightly. It focuses on the drama and feeds off the intimacy. I do wonder, though, in a parallel universe, what further life this version would have. 

Constellations is playing at the Jack Studio, Brockley until 17th May

★★★★