Review of Constellations at Westacre Theatre: ‘Audiences should be prepared to be stabbed through the heart’ at emotionally weighted production

Audience members should prepare for a stab through the heart at this emotionally weighted production of Nick Payne’s Constellations at Westacre Theatre.

To say this is a viscerally charged performance by actors Kirsty Bushell and Matt Grist may sound melodramatic as the action takes place across time and space.

But that is an understatement as the theoretical ‘what ifs’ of two people in a relationship are explored in their infinite possibilities - or outcomes - examined in every multiverse.

Essentially a stirring love story between Rowland (played by Matt Grist) and Marianne (Kirsty Bushell) the action takes place on a stage in between the stars.

The actors - who also directed the play - repeat situations from when they first met to the revealing of Marianne’s terminal illness - allowing the audience to imagine what could have happened in different scenarios.

Bushell excels in comedy moments and pushes the boundaries of human emotion in her portrayal of her relationship with Rowland and the many what-ifs there could be.

Some scenarios are repeated a few times, such as when and how the couple meet - but with the same words expressed in a different way and giving an alternative meaning each time.

Transitioning between these scenarios was faultless and seamless as, sobbing and snotty-nosed, the character Marianne, played so expertly by Bushell, reverts from the end to the beginning - in infinite variety.

Grist is consistently on form as Rowland - playing the part with humour - and delivering a wonderful speech about bees in so many ways that again the meaning of each scene changes.

This is one of many productions at Westacre Theatre, the award-winning Riverside venue, that I have seen and the quality and standards are always high.

My partner and I discussed the play afterwards - it brings many questions up about fate, infinite possibility and the role of the universe.

For me, it brought to mind the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s quote about fate and free will.

“He believed that loving fate meant loving both the good and the bad, and seeing them as inextricably linked.”

Certainly in Constellations the audience is exposed to the good, bad and the ugly as Rowland and Marianne navigate their way from the beginning to the end and back again.

I definitely recommend it for an autumn treat if you get the chance to go - it runs until November 16 with various dates available to book.

For further details visit the website.

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