Till The Stars Come Down review: This state-of-the-nation play will leave you breathless with laughter and tears

Originally debuting at the National Theatre back in 2024, “Till The Stars Come Down” garnered fantastic feedback from critics. Now, this captivating production has moved to Theatre Royal Haymarket in London’s West End and will continue until late September this year.

Steel’s characters are often praised for their strikingly real and identifiable nature, and this is most evident in ‘Till The Stars Come Down.’ With perhaps just one exception – the overly poetic John – each character seems like someone you could casually meet at a family gathering, be it a reunion or a wedding.

This endearing group of characters often argue loudly, bicker but quickly reconcile, and are known for their peculiar sayings. Witnessing the intricate family relationships will make viewers feel as if they’re among their own families, and it’s challenging not to recognize your mothers, aunts, or sisters in the captivating female performers.

Regarding the actors, it’s clear that everyone delivers powerful performances throughout this production. The on-stage connection between Sinead Matthews (Sylvia) and Julian Kostov (Marek) feels genuine, and you can almost sense it. Also, the understated sadness and sorrow portrayed by Alan Williams (Tony) is deeply moving.

In this captivating series, I can’t help but be blown away by Dorothy Atkinson’s electrifying portrayal of Aunt Carol. She’s a whirlwind, storming onto the scene with her peculiar phrases and unyielding will to have things her way (and oh, how she sulks when she doesn’t get it!). Atkinson truly encapsulates the essence of the play—bold, vocal, and side-splittingly funny. The moment that steals the show for me is watching her master the intricate dance of inebriation as she twists and turns across the stage with a mesmerizing array of creative dance moves.

Each exceptional performance benefits significantly from smart and efficient stage arrangements that achieve greatness through their subtlety.

Creating a grand family tale is no simple task. Epic family narratives such as One Hundred Years of Solitude or Pachinko span multiple decades, even centuries, to untangle complex family relationships. In contrast, Till The Stars Come Down manages to achieve this in just one day.

Observing this performance, it’s challenging not to ponder why fewer plays don’t take place at family weddings. After all, such occasions provide an ideal backdrop for buried tensions and hidden family skeletons to emerge – not to mention the ample amount of alcohol that can serve as a catalyst for revelations.

In a contemporary landscape where many playwrights and screenwriters tend to overly elaborate, Beth Steel distinguishes herself by skillfully avoiding didacticism and respecting her audience’s intelligence. Her work, Till The Stars Come Down, masterfully addresses complex themes such as xenophobia, the miners’ strike, and climate anxiety without overwhelming, mirroring life’s subtleties through its intricate layers of meaning, nuanced actions, and suggestive dialogue.

Want to learn more? We had an exclusive interview with the cast of Till The Stars Come Down.

When and where can I see Till The Stars Come Down?

From 1st July through 27th September 2025, the play “Till The Stars Come Down” is being performed at Theatre Royal Haymarket for a brief, thirteen-week engagement.

How to get Till The Stars Come Down tickets

Head to LOVEtheatre or London Theatre Direct, where there are still plenty of tickets available.

Prices for tickets typically begin at approximately £29.50, but they can change based on the specific seat location and the particular show you attend.