Skip to main content

Review of Constellations at the Church Of The Holy Sepulchre, Northampton

In a parallel universe, this second cast version of Masque Theatre’s production of Constellations by Nick Payne did not fall foul of serious rehearsal impediments to Covid. However, alas, both cast members Gemma Knight as Marianne, and Anthony Burgess as Roland fell to Covid at different times and in this universe, the best part of three weeks of rehearsals was lost. However, on the evidence of their performance, it impacts less than you might think on the final product.

Foremost, this is the same show as my previous review of Constellations, so for that click here to see the gist of the production rather than going over the same ground here. Repetition is for Constellations itself, not my review.

However, there is much that feels different in this version performance-wise. Knight and Burgess bring their own dynamic to the show. They are older than the other performers, so, they bring more experience of life to the show’s feel. Little nuances that you only earn from living life. You often believe the relationship more, and without doubt Knight and Burgess have a more natural approach to the performance.

Among my favourite differences was a very contrasting telling of the bee tale by Burgess, I have to admit, despite having already seen it a lot in the previous version, Burgess presented even more humour from the delivery of this. It was one of my favourite moments the first time, and it became more so in this telling.

Knight brings equally a different, but an excellent portrayal of Marianne to the stage. I particularly liked the increased development of the character's illness, especially with the added physicality she portrayed.

Perhaps either intentionally, or because of the simple loss of time, there were slightly fewer movement pieces in this version, however, they were no less a delightful part of the story. The dance routine was again lovely and poignantly returned to at the very end.

Constellations in both its forms truly showed the strength of community theatre in Northampton and while the stars aligned to make the rehearsal process troublesome, the result was still a great deal better than many amateur, and indeed, professional shows on offer.

A parallel universe short of perfection.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Performance reviewed: Friday 8th April 2022 at the Church Of The Holy Sepulchre, Northampton.

Constellations ran at the Church Of The Holy Sepulchre until Saturday 9th April 2022 (including Saturday matinee).

For further details about the Masque Theatre see their website at http://www.masquetheatre.co.uk/

Constellations is MASQUE THEATRE NORTHAMPTON PRODUCTION

Rehearsal images

Popular posts from this blog

Review of Lord of the Dance at Milton Keynes Theatre

On what was so far the hottest day of the year, and the highest in many a record book, it feels a tad evil to watch as a group of extremely talented performers bring to the stage one of the most famous and most energetic dance shows to tour. However, arriving now at Milton Keynes Theatre, as part of what is now the still rather immodestly titled 30 Years of Standing Ovations tour, Lord of the Dance remains full of energy even on the hottest of evenings in Milton Keynes. I last and first saw Lord of the Dance as part of the 25 Years of Standing Ovations tour, four years ago (yes, the sums don’t quite work), and it was every bit as spectacular as you could imagine this world-famous dance show is. Born into the world from Michael Flatley and the Riverdance spectacular that preceded it, Lord of the Dance is a simple but effective battle between good and evil and the resolution of it through dance rather than fighting. The dancing here is, as expected, exceptional, led by the Lord of the...
Read more

Review of making second Kontakt with the R&D Youth Theatre at Royal & Derngate (Underground), Northampton

As I said in my first Kontakt review, I wasn't really sure that I wanted to see this show. However come Sunday and a second opportunity to see it, I was genuinely looking forward to it. With the show now having departed, for my second review I will elaborate a touch more on happenings, which initially I shied away from as spoilers. My actor for my second encounter was 15 year old Michael. He had the enviable task unlike Michael before him of dealing with someone who knew quite a bit of what was coming. As those surgical gloves went on I this time was certain that the R&D were not going to overstep the boundary and do a full medical. I had also learnt that a crisp sandwich was something that should be left in the memory, so cheese was a much more sensible option. I was able to complete the calculation generally unaided and managed to express an exaggerated shock at the latter outcome. The game of Jenga managed to stay stable once again and rather amazingly managed to bring t...
Read more

Review of DNA by University of Northampton BA Actors at Jacksons Lane Theatre, Highgate, London

The final year performances of BA Actors this year upped sticks and headed away from their Northampton Royal territory and gathered to show their skills in London. The first of the three shows being performed was Dennis Kelly's DNA, a play which I saw performed on the Royal stage itself four years ago. I enjoyed it for its dark mysterious nature and was looking forward to seeing a different interpretation of the show. It tells the tale of a group of youngsters who do something really bad, and proceed to attempt to cover it up, resulting in the real bad, well, getting more bad. It's dark yes, but also, very funny at times. It opens with a looming movement piece of theatre, which I always love and this was no different for me, brooding and sinister. It's quite a long opening, which perhaps, in the end, becomes too long, but it's a fabulous piece of theatre for me. It set's the scene very well for Kelly's dark piece to unfold and in the hands of these, about ...
Read more