Review of LUU Theatre Group’s Constellations by Nick Payne

On the evening of Thursday, 29th October, I had the privilege of watching TG’s production of Constellations. The Stage@Leeds foyer was buzzing with anticipation and excitement for this sold-out show. 

Upon entering the Alec Clegg Theatre, I was blown away by the transformation of the space. The senses were catered for; the smell of incense welcomed me, the array of pillows and rugs scattered throughout the theatre comforted me, and the ethereal combination of fairy lights and stars hanging from the ceiling created an atmosphere that felt like a true ode to the show’s name. The ever-changing soft lighting enhanced this ambiance, adding to the celestial magic of setting. A huge nod must go to the producing team for creating this special environment. I settled on my cushion, and for the next hour and a half I was engrossed in this moving story, beautifully told through outstanding acting and direction.

Nick Payne’s Constellations depicts life in a multiverse, following the relationship between ‘M’ and ‘R’ through a fragmented script that reveals multiple realities of their story. We see the pair meet, move in together, break up, get back together, marry, and ultimately navigate M’s choice to seek assisted suicide after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. The play explores love, science, and choice, through a script that is beautifully balanced - both deeply emotive and darkly comic. 

Traditionally Constellations is performed as a two-person show; however, co-directors Hannah Gardiner-Hill and Charlotte Pine chose to cast four actors: Casey Manning and Rokeebat Agaba as M, and Joe Ryder and Isla Courtney as R. While this choice could have easily confused the audience, it was handled with such care that it enhanced this production. The actors seamlessly moved through their transitions, and to me, it only emphasised the play’s ideas of alternative realities and universes. To me, it made this adaptation feel uniquely special. 

The chemistry between both couples was palpable from their first interactions, which were very well coordinated by Evie Cowen. I believed in both couples and found myself rooting for them throughout. Their initial meetings were perfectly balanced with an awkward nervousness and flirtatious anticipation. The pacing from both couples was fantastic, and each actors' reactions made their conversations feel so real. Not only was the delivery of lines clear and emotive, but the actors all physically embodied the characters too. This combination particularly impressed me in Ryder and Courtney’s portrayals of R’s anger and frustration. Similarly, M’s eventual struggle to speak was handled with such sensitivity by the directing team, Manning and Agaba. Both acted with such raw, honest frustration and vulnerability, which I found incredibly moving. 

This idea of communication was one I found particularly engaging throughout the performance, and it was clear that the directing team had really thought about how they wanted to display this theme. I really enjoyed the ways in which they played with location and spacing on the stage. For example, the decision to place the couples back-to-back was an engaging directional choice. The absence of eye contact in these scenes was really interesting as an audience member and made me reflect on what happens when you do take this away in a conversation. I was really impressed with the actors’ ability to maintain connection and chemistry during these moments, even without any touch or eye contact. This approach, combined with the thoughtful use of silence, really added to the building of tension throughout the show. It really felt as if nothing was forgotten by the directing team.

Constellations was a beautifully honest depiction of relationships. It was lovingly and carefully crafted by the production team and cast, and is a show I definitely won’t forget.

Words by Imogen Banfield she/her