EUTCO TAKING ‘CONSTELLATIONS’ FROM EXETER TO EDINBURGH
BY PAUL SMITH
It has become a high point in the calendar for Exeter University Theatre Company, the annual trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Last year, they took their summer production of ‘Dinner’ by Moira Buffini to the international celebration of the arts and in 2025 they have packed up their version of ‘Constellations’ by Nick Payne to put before the audiences in the Scottish capital.
Sitting down with members of the Company there is a palpable air of expectation at the prospect of reviving the play they staged in May and which was reviewed in these pages – www.theatreplays.uk/constellations-roborough-studios-university-of-exeter/
A huge success when it was first performed at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 2012, director, Jack Gregory was deeply drawn to it and wanted to explore the characters more deeply in his production, which lead to the decision to distribute the lines of the two-hander amongst three couples. As Jack explains; “I read 63 plays before I decided on ‘Constellations’, it resonated emotionally with me more than any others and felt that the re-working of the script this way would open up more sides of the characters; it is such an amazing human story. Nick Payne writes in such a natural way and is able to tap into people in a way few others do.” The process of dividing the play was a huge challenge, as Jack admits, “it was like some very complex jigsaw puzzle, but I feel I may have understood the process of writing a little more as a result.”
The cast worked within their pairs exploring the specific threads of the story they were involved with, Pippa Holt (Marianne) says it was an interesting process, “I remember sitting in on an early rehearsal of one of the other couples and was amazed at how different their approach was, even though we were, in essence playing the same characters.” Having started by working in their pairs, eventually the six actors were brought together by Jack and Rosie Jones (Assistant Director) with the intention that the play should come over as three stories, six distinct characters, but with common themes between them.
The transfer to Edinburgh comes with another major challenge; the Fringe rules limit the length of a production to 50 minutes and Jack, Rosie and the cast have had to cut 30 minutes from the version they presented in Exeter. “With so many lines removed, the story will be snappier and more exciting; the focus will lean more towards the love story which is at the heart of the play” Jack explains. The challenge of a pacier production is not to lose the tender moments, as Josh Blitz (Roland) outlines “So much of the content is really sad and there are scenes when you really want to take your time, so we don’t want to lose the emotion involved because of time pressure.” The complexities of a non-linear timeline means even more considerations; as Eleanor Brazier (Marianne) explains “you can’t just follow the progress of your character from start to finish, it is a real mindgame of working out where you are in the story at any one time. With a shorter script this is somewhat heightened, but it is very rewarding.”
In between the production at the University and the new rehearsals most of the Company have had their minds on other things – final exams and graduations have had to be gone through. It is never easy picking up a script again after a break, Samuel Churchouse (Matthew) suggests that it may actually be of assistance, “Even with a short time space away from the play you have time to pick up new knowledge and be able to bring that to your characters. Helpful in many ways, but also can be tough as you adapt the way you approach the lines.”
With a few final rehearsals in Exeter, the Company will concentrate on marketing the play which is in the hands of Co-Producer Ophelia Mills, “We are looking at as many angles as we can to get the word out about the production. We’ve taken plenty advice from those who have taken shows to Edinburgh before, which we hope will be really beneficial. Fundraising is also an important activity and this will be continuing over the next few weeks.” The Company have set up a crowd funding page online – www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/eutco-constellations-edinburgh-fringe-2025 – donations to help support the EUTCO in their Fringe Adventure will be gratefully received.
Thankfully the production is very spare; 4 wooden boxes form the set, there are no props and the costumes are drawn from the wardrobes of the cast or charity shops. This makes the logistics involved just that little bit more straightforward.
“I feel so lucky to be able to have a role in a play like this. Even at University the opportunities to perform are few and far between, and the chance to delve into such a well written character is very special.” Francesca Galla-Taylor reflects on the experience of being in ‘Constellations’ and sums up the feelings of the other cast members. The process of acting is so often about portraying deeds and actions and emotions that you have no acquaintance with and this play is a case in point, as Eleanor puts it, “I almost wanted to challenge myself to see if I was capable of delivering on these aspects of life I haven’t had first hand knowledge of.”
The expectations for Edinburgh are bubbling just below the surface; “I am just so excited for people to come and see what we have created and what their reactions are to our production.” says Jack and Rosie adds “Everyone has worked so hard and the cast have done a really incredible job and the thrill of showing it to new audiences will be amazing.”
Apart from the six performances of ‘Constellations’ the Company is looking forward to the atmosphere of the Fringe and the fascinating chance to see a whole basketful of different shows.
When asked about stage roles they would love to undertake it is quite something when many classic roles in the theatre are suggested; Stanley Kowalski in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, Beatrice in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, Eddie Carbone in ‘A View From the Bridge’, Nina in ‘The Seagull’ and the title role in ‘Uncle Vanya’. An impressive list. This is a Company with immediate ambitions and long term dreams. A very talented group of young people setting their sights high and keeping up the excellent standard of stage production and performances which Exeter University should be very proud of.
We wish the whole of EUTCO the very best for the Edinburgh Fringe and each member an exciting and invigorating future within the world of theatre.
The EUTCO production of ‘Constellations’ can be seen at the Space on the Mile (Venue 39) at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – August 18-23 at 17:40. Tickets available from www.thespaceuk.com or 0131 510 2384
