Constellations by Nick Payne, Roborough Studios, Exeter University until 30 May 2025, 4☆☆☆☆. Review Cormac Richards.

Photo Credit: EUTCO

Constellations by Nick Payne, Roborough Studios, Exeter University until 30 May 2025,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Cormac Richards.

“tackled with a deep sense of care and consideration.”

If you were to take at face value the basic thread of Nick Payne’s highly successful play ‘Constellations’, then it would seem straightforward and, maybe, fairly unremarkable. However, Payne isn’t playing with a straight bat here and creates a four-dimensional puzzle within that story. With the subject of Quantum Physics, String Theory and the Multi-verse – oh, and bee-keeping - the play tells the story via repeated lines and circumstances which change minutely creating almost parallel stories with differing outcomes.

The play was originally written for one male and one female who meet at a barbeque, before dating, separating, marrying and dealing with a terminal illness; it is a challenge to perform.  Exeter University Theatre Company have impressed previously – their production of ‘Dinner’ by Moira Buffini in 2024 was outstanding and in ‘Constellations’, director, Jack Gregory has made the interesting decision to tell the story using three couples, all on stage at the same time. So, we have Marianne and Roland, Matthew and Roland and Marianne and Rosie as the trio; telling the same – but not the same story – interweaving each one with the other two. It is a clever concept and works better and better as you move through the tale.

For all couples there is a huge emotional journey to engage the audience with and from the viewers point of view these are all very individual characters that you care for as the story progresses. Marianne and Rosie – Eleanor Brazier & Francesca Galla-Taylor - are, maybe, the less demonstrative of the three pairs, the in-built love story simmering rather than bubbling. Matthew and Roland played by Samuel Churchouse and Nat Mitchell are the feistier couple which provides a strong contrast with the others. The most emotional and romantic pair come in the form of Marianne and Roland as portrayed by Pippa Holt and Josh Blitz. The acting – as we have come to expect – is of a very high standard and all six handle the material – which is not easy – really well; the stand-out pairing is that of the Marianne and Roland; Pippa Holt is heartbreaking to witness as she so quietly cries at the prospect of what she is facing and the underlying shock and sadness of Josh Blitz as he realises what is happening to Marianne is beautifully voiced – incredibly moving.

There is spare movement as the stories unravel with a cymbal-like sound as the story moves from one to another. The music used is discreet and offers just enough underscoring to the changing mood of the play. Lighting could possibly be slightly more variable but is functional enough.

Played out in a small studio theatre, there were times when some of the speeches fell below audible levels. With just a few white blocks used for sitting,  the moments when the actors were seated on the floor, hid them completely from a number of the members of the audience. In a play where there is little action, the words and the faces of the actors are vital in telling the story. Maybe a pointer when the production is revived at the Edinburgh Festival later in the summer.

Jack Gregory has been smart and incredibly thoughtful with his direction; the actors have been encouraged to take their time over the words and some dangerously long pauses are more than a little welcome.

This is an incredibly thought-provoking play and one which Exeter University Theatre Company have tackled with a deep sense of care and consideration; it is a pleasure to see the high standards they set themselves being maintained and demonstrates what an incredibly talented group this is.

Cast

Marianne - Eleanor Brazier

Rosie – Francesca Galla-Taylor

Matthew - Samuel Churchouse

Roland - Nat Mitchell

Marianne - Pippa Holt

Roland – Josh Blitz

Creatives

Writer – Nick Payne

Director – Jack Gregory

Assistant Director – Rosie Jones

Co-Producers – Ophelia Mills, Alex Flood

Assistant Producer – Martha Clifton

Stage Manager – Orla Duggan

Costume Design – Olivia Whitfield

Technical Manager – Laura Brian