Review: Constellations, Jack Studio Theatre

Marianne (Costanza Pucci Di Montaltino) and Roland (Freddy Williams) first meet at a mutual friend’s BBQ, and then meet again, and again, with each encounter unfolding slightly differently. Throughout the evening, we’ll watch their relationship play out in both subtle and significantly different ways across a series of alternate universes, where every choice creates a new branch. A quick shift in the lighting transports us to a new universe, showing us their connection in each branch of reality. With the universe and stage set, we follow their relationship through multiple universes, their ups and downs, the things that tear them apart and the things that bring them together.

Both actors handle the repeating script with real range, they don’t simply repeat the lines but bring their full skills to the table; body language, facial expressions and tone all drawing clear distinctions. Their chemistry changes subtly across universes, playful in one, strained in another, heartbreakingly tender in the next. The demanding nature of this play, with its repetitions and subtle shifts, clearly requires immense skill from the actors, a challenge Di Montaltino and Williams meet admirably.

George Derry’s direction sets a brisk pace. Running at 65 minutes, it’s slightly shorter than Constellations would normally run and this is felt most with the transitions between universes undertaken in the blink of an eye. It does mean that early lines sometimes flow immediately into each other without allowing space for the shift to a new universe to fully settle. A few more minutes added back in would be very welcome, especially at the beginning when we are still coming to terms with the parallel universes and the switching between them.

The story within Constellations is devastating; dealing with terminal illness, its impact and the choice to seek assisted dying. A section told entirely in BSL to an absolutely silent spellbound audience is equally impactful. The absence of spoken words draws the audience into a shared space of reflection and grief. We know what they are saying, we heard it in a different universe just a moment ago, but again it showcases the skill of both actors.

The set is minimal, just a series of hanging mirrors, is a simple but effective visual for the mirror universes. The reflections show us multiple versions of Marianne and Roland reflected around it. The set’s initial simplicity is key to its cleverness and effectiveness. The mirrors are also cleverly used by both Marianne to explain quantum theory and for Roland to talk about the lives of bees. Changes in the lighting (Summer Keeling and Tasmin Wickmerante) help signify a different universe with each switch. Then as Marianne’s illness comes to the forefront, a single spotlight shines in the otherwise dark emphasising the weight of those moments. A simple set can prove powerful in talented hands.

This production of Constellations reminds us of the play’s deserved reputation as a modern classic. Anchored by two fantastic performances, it shows us that the smallest choices; a glance or a word left unsaid, can reverberate across the universe(s).

Written by Nick Payne
Directed by George Derry
Assistant Director: Beth McKinnon
Lighting Design by: Summer Keeling and Tasmin Wickmerante

Constellations plays at Jack Studio Theatre until Saturday 17 May.