From the intriguing bare black set filled with white helium balloons that greets the audience, to the zingy dialogue which explodes from the very start, this is fresh, contemporary theatre at it’s very best.

Constellations is a play about love, quantum physics, time, mortality and the decisions we make. Produced by The Royal Court, which nurtures new playwriting talent, Nick Payne’s wonderful script is funny, touching, complex and intelligent.

Louise Brealey and Joe Armstrong are exceptional as the lovers with infinite potential for both happiness and heartbreak.

The play explores parallel universes so the actors have to to make quick-fire changes between emotions as they depict multiple possible outcomes of key moments in their lives.

There is genuine chemistry between the pair who bring this human story alive with humour, intensity and simply fabulous acting. At times the audience literally hold their breath and the collective sigh of release is audible as the tension ends and the story spins into another time, another place.

One set, two actors, no interval, 75 minutes of stunning theatre; it all adds up to a must-see show. Constellations is at Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday and you’d be crazy to miss it.

Five stars