Till The Stars Come Down

Director Bijan Sheibani deserves serious credit here—his vision is razor-sharp, playful, and full of clever little tricks that keep you hooked. Even when things get emotional (and oh, they do), the production never loses its heart. It’s the theatrical version of someone who can juggle while crying… and somehow make it look effortless.

Samal Blak’s set and costumes? Chef’s kiss. The set is gorgeous, still managing that intimate feel I was worried might get lost in a bigger space. And the costumes are as vibrant and witty as before—basically the Instagram account you’d secretly follow for outfit inspo.

Lighting wizardry courtesy of Paule Constable deserves its own applause. In-the-round spaces are notoriously tricky, but she makes it look like child’s play. The effects are smart, the atmosphere just right, and there are even a few hidden surprises.

Gareth Fry’s sound design also shines. With in-the-round staging, it could have easily gone muddy or overwhelming, but nope—every word was crystal clear and the music complemented instead of drowned. A rare feat: I didn’t once lean over to whisper “what did they say?”

Beth Steele's book is both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly moving. It starts with sharp comedy, then gradually layers in twists and revelations that make you genuinely care about the characters. The humor never disappears, but it's paired with a thoughtful exploration of big, real-world issues that still resonate today.

Performances were strong across the board, especially from returning cast members (see my last review if you want me to gush again). Julian Kostov (Marek) had a solid performance, though I found myself wishing for a touch more humanity in his love for Sylvia—and when he’s angry, he could let it rip a little harder. Adrian Bower (John) is grounded, believable, and gave the role real texture. Aisling Loftus (Maggie) is good overall, but in some of the heavier moments, I wasn’t quite sold. Dorothy Atkinson (Aunty Carol) is comedy gold. She nailed every beat with pitch-perfect timing.

This is theatre that sparkles—playful, moving, beautifully designed, and with performances that mostly hit the mark. A couple of moments could go deeper, but honestly? You’ll laugh, you’ll feel, and you’ll probably want to steal the costumes.