White balloons float above the bare, raised square on which beekeeper Roland and cosmologist Marianne bump into each other, like random molecules. Every encounter yields a different outcome as their relationship develops – or doesn’t.
Some consequences are determined by changing circumstance, others by decisions made in a universe (or parallel universe) where “several outcomes can co-exist simultaneously.” But although many choices can be made along the way, some things remain inevitable.
With its numerous, subtly altered replays Michael Longhurst’s in-the-round production makes considerable demands on the actors and Rafe Spall (down to earth, gentle, straightforward) and Sally Hawkins (nervy, needy, bright) negotiate every nuanced repetition to perfection.
Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
020 7565 5000
Tube: Sloane Square
Until 11th Feb
£20, Mondays £10
royalcourttheatre.com
Review: Louise Kingsley
