Gazing at a Distant Star @ Assembly

A pared down production from Greenwich Theatre explores loss for those left behind

Review by Alice Lannon | 16 Aug 2017

Loss is difficult enough, but when there are no solid answers, it becomes almost impossible to deal with. This is the idea explored within Sian Rowland’s rather intriguing new show, Gazing at a Distant Star.

A triple stranded narrative, we experience the diverse stories of those left behind, questioning what happened to their loved ones and dealing with the intense turmoil. The three actors from Greenwich Theatre convey their characters convincingly, with performances that are genuinely emotive and thought provoking. Indeed, it is easy to put yourself in their position, and wonder how you yourself would deal with such a traumatic situation. Their effective and efficient use of a small and simple set is also commendable – it serves as a good backdrop for allowing one story to seamlessly flow into the next. 

Each individual story is interesting – yet, somewhat frustratingly, we wait for the three narratives to interweave with each other in a way that never quite satisfactorily happens. The plot ticks along  somewhat predictably, although it does get more compelling towards the end. Also, while the premise of the show is a fascinating one, it does feel like there is potential for a more original and nuanced slant. However, despite these slight setbacks,  overall this show is interesting and features some good performances from the whole cast – worth a watch.


Gazing at a Distant Star, Assembly George Square Studios,​ 10-13, 15-28 Aug, 12.15pm