Constellations is a play performed on a wholly different cosmic plane – it’s an almost spiritual experience - but one which is also accessible and entirely relatable.

This brilliantly clever piece by Nick Payne, which won the Evening Standard Best Play award in 2012 as well as several Olivier nominations, showcases all of life’s options and possibilities and in a manner resembling Sliding Doors or even Groundhog Day, plays each variation cheek by jowl.

This is a two hander – Damien O’Keeffe and Louise Button play Roland and Marianne. They meet at a rainy barbecue over soggy sausages. Marianne is a physicist working at Sussex University whilst Roland is an urban beekeeper, maintaining his hives on top of a building in Tower Hamlets. It’s an unlikely combination I suppose – but who they are and what they do is scarcely important. For here is a relationship that develops, then falls apart, blossoms, deteriorates, intensifies and collapses. All the experiences of love and life are there and each is explored simultaneously. It is an extraordinary piece of theatre.

There is an almost dance like quality to Constellations and it is the choreography – the moving in and out of scenes - which enables the actors to connect with each other and elevates the emotions. At times the relationship appears to break down – there are affairs, separations, fierce arguments and then tender, gentle scenes of love and compassion. So what happens? To explain the plot would be to diminish its intelligence – and perhaps also to attempt to explain it would challenge mine. To be clear however, there is never a moment when you don’t know what’s happening, only that how it resolves is a matter of choice. A story, a profound, deeply affecting story, beautifully played by two wonderfully skilled actors, in minutely nuanced, brave performances.

Yvette Huddlestone has directed this piece with a deft touch, allowing the actors to reveal their characters incrementally, until we are fully aware of their strengths and weaknesses. As it ends we are given a reminder that our moment on Earth is but a brief speck on the vast continuum of time and space, and somehow, that seems to be a comfort.

Giving only three performances in the Wildman Theatre, this play of only an hour, will leave you musing and considering for much longer.

To book, call the Playhouse on 01943 609539 or on line @www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk