Till the Stars Come Down

by Beth Steel

A raucously funny and romantic family drama by Beth Steel (The House of Shades, Wonderland). It's Sylvia and Marek's wedding. Over the course of a hot summer's day, a family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst. But as the vodka flows and the guests hit the dancefloor, passions boil over and the limits of love are tested. Beth Steel's heartbreaking, hilarious portrayal of a larger-than-life family struggling to come to terms with a changing world opened at the National Theatre, London, in January 2024.

Genres: Plays, Drama

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2024

About the author

Beth Steel’s first play Ditch premiered at the HighTide Festival before transferring to the Old Vic Tunnels. Ditch was shortlisted for the John Whiting Award. Wonderland, her second play, was performed at Hampstead Theatre and won her the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright. Her third play, Labyrinth opened at the Hampstead Theatre in 2016.

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up.

This was an estimable hit at the National Theatre, opening in Jan 2024 and garnering mainly rave reviews. I wasn't quite as enchanted as I was by an earlier play of Steel's, Labyrinth, as this didn't seem quite as fresh or original - a family dramedy set at a wedding in which the usual issues - marital infidelity, drunkenness, longstanding feuds, sibling rivalries, immigration hostility, etc. are just paraded out in rather cliched fashion.

But there were still enough clever lines and deft characterizations (Aunty Carol was certainly a hoot!) that I was mostly enjoying the ride, despite moments of clunky exposition - until the bizarre non-ending - it's as if the playwright just decided, 'oh to hell with it, let's just end this thing - everybody dance now'!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJVbW...
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/202...
https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/revie...
https://www.timeout.com/london/theatr...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/w...
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/th...

[Illiterate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Working class women in postindustrial Britain. It’s quite fun & moving, but it relies on snappy lines & flamboyant action more than rounded characters & thoughtful themes.

[Lizzie Burge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and great for acting out extracts, liked the play but wasn’t “blown away”

[Lahbeebs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normalise getting wine drunk and reading a play aloud for book club.

Very easy read but some of the characters and their relationships lacked depth. Also why did it end so abruptly!

[Rytas Sakas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guys, good news: ne tik lietuviai kuria mid teatrą

[Melaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of a non-ending. Loved aunty Carol.

[Ella Taibel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading a play. Pacey, funny, sad, mad family dynamics. This play had it all but maybe lacked some character development

[Tobi ﾄﾋﾞ · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to decide whether you are victim or superior, because you can’t be both.

This was an incredible play, it mentioned a lot of things that many families discuss but never resolve or fully think about. It’s a great depiction of British families and relationships and culture it’s really interesting. It was incredibly long … maybe a bit too long but I can imagine if you’re seeing the play in person it could be easier to endure

[Glennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, so engrossing! That ending though, damn

[Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to see the play and ADORED IT. thought to read it to re kindle the memory of the play. The script is just as good as the production if not better.

[O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute belter of a play

[Tim Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic and very,very funny