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A love story with infinite possibilities
“Every choice, every decision you’ve ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes”
So says Marianne, in this dazzling play that feels alive with ideas, action and fizz, but is balanced with stillness and depth. A drama about time and memory, about death and grief, playful and profound, comic and mournful. It asks big questions..but also feels weightless and fun”. Arifa Akbar, The Guardian
This play started at the Royal Court, then headed to Broadway, where it had a rapturous reception and back to the West End for a revival in 2021 with multiple casts.
This is a play about science, about bees, but at its heart it is first and foremost a wonderful love story.
Suppose that life exists in a multiverse — a set of parallel existences that contain infinitely different outcomes. The possibilities in our lives are, quite literally, endless. Every possible event that could happen, does happen, in one universe or another. And if two lovers meet, every possible happy ending and heartbreak that could happen, will.
Marianne, a physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, meet at a party. They hit it off, and go for a drink; or perhaps they don’t. They go home together, or maybe they go their separate ways. Perhaps Marianne is in a relationship with someone else, perhaps Roland is. Maybe she breaks his heart, maybe he breaks hers. Perhaps they come together and their love story can finally take root and grow, or perhaps it will be tragically cut short. Nick Payne’s beautiful play, Constellations, explores how even the smallest change in our lives can dramatically alter the course we take. It is a spellbinding exploration of love, science and the infinite possibility for heartbreak or hope.
This amateur production of Constellations is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
Running Time: I hour 20 minutes.
Age guide 14+ (Contains some strong language and explores mature themes, including assisted dying)
Director's Notes
Never have I read a playwright’s direction quite like it. “A change in line indicates a change in universe!” Course it does…!
There is a reason why plays win multiple awards and there is a reason why a director is so captivated by a clever piece of writing that they direct it 6 times – not me, but Michael Longhurst who directed it for the premiere at the Royal Court, then on Broadway, followed by four more casts in 2021 in rotation. This wouldn’t work if the text did not offer depth and multiple options.
We have of late had a bit of a fascination for space and other worldly themes threading through our productions and this is another to add to the list.
Although this play touches on the idea of multiverses, it is at its heart a love story. I was keen right from the start of rehearsals to focus on this and let the science be the backdrop to make us think about how life is often a game of chance, choices and consequences.
What I have loved is that with all the different versions this love story has in the multiverse, the two characters have the option to play each one slightly differently, whilst still being the same people. It is fascinating and liberating for actors to show their breadth and depth and their interpretation and how variations in performances change the outcome of a scene. It is boy meets girl, boy meet girl again and boy meets girl again!
I also love the fact that we are not anchored by any place or time. We are in lots of universes – no scene backdrops, or furniture or props. Just two actors communicating emotionally with each other and connecting with their audiences and that is so freeing for them and for me.
I am constantly taken aback by the form and structure of Constellations, the fragments of Marianne and Roland’s lives and existence told in repetition. I hope as you witness them and share them they challenge your perceptions of time and open up the reflections of your own life, and of the choices you made or never made.
There aren’t enough words to measure the cast’s generosity to the work, their generosity and trust in me and each other and the talent they have brought to bear to bring the text to life.
We hope we have created a piece of compelling theatre. The creative team have added their skill and flair with infinite care to create this world of infinite possibility.
Sue Moore
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