Constellations & The Sociable Plover – Frinton Summer Theatre

Double billings at Frinton Summer Theatre are rare, so it is a real treat to watch two plays in one evening. Forget about ‘shrinkflation’, this really is a case of getting two for the price of one – such is the quality and innovation of these plays which would usually be more at home in a London fringe theatre.

‘The Sociable Plover’ by Tim Whitnall is a dark – very dark – comedy drama, with a twist. The action is centred in a bird hide. Roy Tunt (Christopher Howell) is a keen birdwatcher (twitcher) on a mission to sight the Sociable Plover, the last on his list before ornithological fame awaits him in the record books. Dave John (Jon Scott Clark) is a besuited thug who looks like he means trouble – and he has the attitude to boot. In an awkward, and often funny exchange, the pair’s characters are revealed – along with their surprising back stories.

The key to the suspense is in Whitnall’s clever use of audience stereotypes. Howell and Clark are talented actors who hug the audience to them in their duel of words. The set design (Sorcha Corcoran) and costume design (Neil Gordon) are superb, so much so as an audience member you feel a sense of voyeurism while watching the hide action. What transpires will likely make you shiver, but as I don’t want to reveal any spoilers – I’d suggest you watch it for yourself!

‘Constellations’ by Nick Payne is a completely different offering. During the interval, the set hands have worked their magic to transform the stage into a giant telescope. This is then the setting for beekeeper Roland (Charlie Cassen) and quantum physicist Marianne (Hannah Traylen) to meet and live in a multiverse of multiple lives where we realise the smallest thing can have the biggest impact.

Trying to get your head around parallel worlds and infinite possibilities is a mind-blowing concept in itself, but Payne’s writing and Cassen’s and Traylen’s powerful performance makes it seem like quite a normal course of events. They transport you from barbecues and ballroom dancing to domestic arguments to imagine how quickly a situation can shift through the use of one word. It’s freaky to understand how fragile our futures are, how they are built and woven, and sometimes how carelessly we affect the actual outcomes of our lives.

The acting of both Cassen and Traylen is flawless. Word perfect, they have the most astonishing chemistry, and without a doubt, they are the reason for the success of this innovative play. ‘Constellations’ is a clever exploration of the intricacies of life which will have you watching your words, perhaps more carefully in the future!

As a double billing it’s hard to say the two plays are connected, they are both fully rounded and complete within themselves. At a meta level, you could say both are about complicated relationships, but most importantly, each play offers an inventive insight into life.

It’s an extraordinary feat to bring together two such different plays and make it work – but it really does, and it’s a special treat to be able to enjoy both shows in one night. My only word of warning – the language can be quite fruity!

Running Tuesday 30th July – 3rd August 2024. https://www.frintonsummertheatre.org/

Reviewer: Samantha Collett

Reviewed: 30^th July 2024

North West End UK Rating: