A love story – with physics and philosophy: this studio production opens at the Criterion on St. Valentine’s Day.

It is impossible to give a linear account of the plot since there isn't one ! The only fixed point is that there are two characters called Roland and Marianne whose lives constantly intersect. It is also fair to say that Roland is a professional apiarist, while Marianne works in a university department processing data on quantum multiverse theory: the basis of that, as she helpfully explains, is that "every choice, every decision you've ever and never made exists in an unimaginably vast ensemble of parallel universes".

Payne shows the couple, after a chance social encounter, going through the varying rituals of co-habitation, betrayal and separation. Or, alternatively, they may go their own ways, bump into each other again at a ballroom-dancing class and achieve a possibly durable union.

Warning: contains strong language; not suitable for children. 

Press Comment

“a brain-teasing 70-minute play that packs an enormous amount in” Michael Billington, The Guardian.

"Ingenious and beautiful...The play lasts a little over an hour, but manages to dazzle, delight and dismay. Truly stellar."  Henry Hitchings for The Evening Standard

"The stars shine brightly in Nick Payne's metaphysical love story, and I'm not just talking about the bewitching performances of Sally Hawkins and Rafe Spall."  Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

“Intelligent, innovative and powerful, this is a very welcome addition to the West End, and deserves enormous success.”  Peter Brown London Theatre

For more information about this production please contact the director, Gennie Holmes, or email artisticdirector@criteriontheatre.co.uk