‘Till the Stars Come Down’ Review – Haunting Family Drama at the Dorfman Theatre
Beth Steel’s Till the Stars Come Down, now showing at the Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, is a tour de force of family drama, humour and poignant social commentary.
Directed by Bijan Sheibani, the play captures the essence of life in a working-class East Midlands town with both warmth and razor-sharp wit. Set against the backdrop of a wedding, the story centres on three sisters: Hazel (Lucy Black), the reflective middle sister trapped in a loveless marriage; Maggie (Lisa McGrillis), the free spirit with a penchant for stirring up trouble; and Sylvia (Sinéad Matthews), the youngest, whose marriage to Polish immigrant Marek (Marc Wootton) acts as the catalyst for the unfolding drama. Their interactions — brimming with banter and poignant exchanges — form the play’s backbone, delivering a masterclass in character dynamics.
Samal Blak’s set design – a minimalist green astrograss circle with a central rotating stage and a disco ball above – creates an immersive atmosphere that draws the audience into the heart of the action. This inventive setup not only breaks the fourth wall but also envelops the audience in the play’s emotional landscape, making them silent witnesses to the family’s trials and tribulations.
Sheibani’s direction is a triumph, expertly balancing the play’s sharp wit with its more profound, reflective moments. He navigates Steel’s complex emotional landscape with precision, ensuring each character is fully realised and their struggles resonate with genuine authenticity. The play’s treatment of migration, economic decline, and the yearning to escape predetermined life paths is handled with subtlety and insight, steering clear of clichés to deliver a compelling exploration of the human condition.
That said, the portrayal of Marek falls short of this standard. Intended to illuminate the immigrant experience in contemporary Britain, the character lacks sufficient depth and nuance. This underdeveloped portrayal weakens the narrative’s otherwise meticulous construction and somewhat undermines the play’s broader themes.
Despite this, Till the Stars Come Down excels in its portrayal of the sisters and their fraught relationship with their hometown. The dialogue crackles with the sharp humour and wit that are hallmarks of Steel’s writing, while Lorraine Ashbourne’s Aunt Carol delivers comic relief that is both uproarious and deeply affecting.
In sum, Till the Stars Come Down is a compelling and layered drama that skillfully balances humour with heartache, probing the ties that bind us to family and place. It offers a poignant and nuanced reflection on the dreams and realities of working-class life. With its assured performances, deft direction, and immersive set design, this production is an unmissable highlight at the National Theatre.
At the Dorfman theatre, National Theatre, London, until 16 March
National Theatre
Upper Ground
South Bank
London SE1 9PX
United Kingdom
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
