Faye Brookes stars alongside Tom Lorcan in Barn Theatre’s revival production of Nick Payne’s multi-award-winning play Constellations, running at the Cotswold venue until 18 May.
Constellations also sees the return of Jessica Daniels to direct the production, having previously directed the theatre’s acclaimed Built by Barn productions of The Butterfly Lion and The Mozart Question, for which Daniels received a UK Theatre Awards nomination for Best Direction.
Payne’s play is a high concept romance, a Sliding Doors to the power of 100 – and many other things at once: a drama about time and memory, about death and grief, playful and profound, comic and mournful.
You’re currently starring in Constellations at the Barn, how would you describe this play?
A love story with a scientific twist.
What do you think it is about Nick Payne’s script that keeps it so appealing to audiences?
Nicks Payne’s writing is so clever and witty, but I think what is appealing to audiences time and time again is the relatable conversational dialogue.
It’s a two-hander, how have you found that and what’s it been like working with Tom Lorcan?
I’ve never performed in a two hander before and I have found that there’s no place to hide. Working with Tom has been a joy, his quick wit and down to earth work ethic has helped us find our very own Marianne & Roland and I’ve loved every second of it!
Tell us a little about your character and what you’re loving about the role?
Marianne is quite possibly the best role I’ve ever played. She is a clever, bold and honest. The complexity of the character is the emotional journey throughout the play, but this is a gift of a role, I’m not wasting a second of Mary.
And what’s been the biggest challenge with performing this play?
I’ve had to draw upon my own personal experience to connect with this character, which has been a challenging but also liberating.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Constellations?
Even if you know the play or don’t know the play, it will transcend you. It’s a beautifully relatable piece that I think could help heal anyone. Follow this love story and you’ll learn about time, love and loss.
