Deaf-led production of Constellations by Hear Art comes to London (BSL)

Hear Art is bringing a new Deaf-led production of Nick Payne’s award-winning Constellations to Merton Arts Space in Wimbledon from 17 to 20 September 2026.

Constellations follows Marianne, a quantum physicist, and Roland, a beekeeper, as they meet, fall in love and navigate the possibilities of their relationship.

Inspired by the idea of parallel universes, the play explores how different choices, words and chance encounters could lead their lives in entirely different directions.

The story moves through multiple versions of their relationship, from their first meeting through love, conflict, separation and loss.

The production is directed by actor and theatre-maker Charlotte Arrowsmith in her first commissioned directing role, with Stephen Collins and Kitty Devlin starring as Roland and Marianne.

The play is performed in both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English, with Deaf culture and visual language forming part of the storytelling rather than BSL being used simply as a translation.

In Hear Art’s adaptation, BSL is not simply added as an interpretation of the spoken script. Instead, Deaf culture, BSL and visual storytelling are woven into the production itself, becoming part of the play’s exploration of its parallel worlds.

The use of both BSL and spoken English creates different possibilities for how Marianne and Roland communicate and experience their relationship, while bringing Deaf and hearing perspectives together within the same story.

The production also brings Deaf and hearing artists together both on stage and behind the scenes.

For Hear Art, the approach demonstrates how a well-known piece of theatre can be reimagined through Deaf creative perspectives, rather than simply made accessible.

Stephen Collins said:

“Constellations is a well-loved play, but bringing Deaf artists into the heart of it creates something entirely new. Deaf culture and BSL become another universe within the story.”

For Arrowsmith, who has previously performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s Globe, the production marks a new stage in her career. She said:

“This is my first commissioned role as a director, and I’m proud we’ve created something genuinely collaborative where Deaf and hearing creatives share one vision. For me, this production feels like a chance to finally exhale.”

Hear Art’s Creative Director Sam Arnold added:

“Theatre is a visual art form and Deaf-led productions belong on that stage. Charlotte has transformed this play into something magical.”

The production continues Hear Art’s work to create paid opportunities for Deaf creatives and bring Deaf-led work to wider audiences. It is supported by the Mayor of London’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk Programme and Merton Council.

Constellations runs at Merton Arts Space, Wimbledon, from 17 to 20 September 2026, with tickets from £14.25.

Tickets are available here

Hear Art is an award winning community interest company founded by Cindy Sasha and Rachel Shenton. You can find out more about them here.