Constellations
Written by Nick Payne
Directed by Kelly Somes
Presented by Free-Rain Theatre Company
Theoretical physics tangles with a love of nature when an improbable romance evolves between a physicist, Marianne and a beekeeper, Roland.
Their chance encounter and the relationship that follows explores moments of grace and grit and the familiar highs and lows experienced when we connect with another human being.
What would happen if we were given the chance to replay the same conversation over and over again?
Do we have free will or are we just “particles governed by a series of very particular laws being knocked…around all over the place”?
Critics have praised Nick Payne’s Constellations, saying:
“Incredible to witness” ★★★★★ Suzy Goes See
“A spellbinding, non-stop zoom through time and space and romance” ★★★★½ Stage Noise
“Jaw-dropping” ★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald
“Heart-rendingly beautiful” ★★★★ Time Out
Now the multiverse comes to ACT Hub.
Audience response
This was craft at its finest. One of the BEST theatre experiences I’ve ever seen. An absolute MUST SEE!
What an absolute winner! I highly recommend you don’t miss this one.
Go see this show. It’s a really clever play, beautifully realised by two excellent performers and their creative team.
If you love top quality theatre or are a theatre maker DON’T MISS Constellations at ACT HUB.
Don’t miss this one! Beautiful, unassuming, wonderful theatre! Theatre at its finest. Funny, uplifting… with complete heart and some of the finest creatives you could see onstage. See it if you can. Theatre – magic!
Reviews
“To see actors Lucy Goleby and James O’Connell in Nick Payne’s Constellations at ACT HUB is to watch two actors at the top of their game, working in perfect synchronicity. This is ensemble acting at its very best, each actor completely attuned to their character’s complex relationship and conflicting emotions.
Free Rain Theatre’s visiting production of Constellations is too good an opportunity to miss. Entertaining, engaging and intellectually stimulating, Somes, Goleby and O’Connell under Free Rain Theatre’s umbrella have brought to ACT HUB a production to light up Canberra’s theatrical universe.”
“Both [Lucy Goleby and James O’Connell] give carefully nuanced performances of great depth and sensitivity. They meet the challenge of the multi-layered script with skill, making each moment highly believable. Their playing of the final sequence is touching and memorable. Both performers and the director have personal connections to Canberra. The choice of “Constellations” for their return here is an excellent showcase for the trio and a gift for local audiences.”
“an original approach, which unexpectedly creates moments of laughter, of concern, sometimes of anger, and warmth of one-ness between the two … in a play of personalties for whom we feel empathy and with whom we can identify… I marvel at their dexterity as each shift in scene comes upon them. Very well worth the experience.”
“This is a polished gem of a show, with all facets shining and reflecting, and something you can delve into over 80 minutes. It’s as much a journey of the heart as of the mind, and it’s a demonstration of two performers locking in to a text with passion, joy and fervour. Powerful work.”
“The Hub once again proves that it can be a magical place as these two performers work the in-the-round space to create a story about relationships – how they go wrong, how they can go right. They and director Kelly Somes have done a great and sure footed job. A very satisfying and moving evening, not to be missed.”
Media
The intricate grace and grit of an emotional play, Canberra CityNews, 8 April 2026
The magic and drama of a cast caught in Constellations, HerCanberra, 10 April 2026
Details
When: 16 April – 25 April 2026
Run time: 75 minutes no interval
Where:
ACT Hub
Causeway Hall, Kingston
14 Spinifex Street, Kingston ACT 2604
Cast
Featuring Lucy Goleby as Marianne
and James O’Connell as Roland
Directed by Kelly Somes
Key dates
Preview: Thursday 16 April 2026
Opening Night: Friday 17 April 2026