Press for this production

The Stars Are Fire is an outstanding tribute to Cecilia Payne’s career and legacy – an inspirational story performed by a heavenly cast with wit, charm and passion ★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions

This show proves that pub theatre is delivering big visions … it should be staged every year London Pub Theatres ★★★★.5

Arrow and Traps are on top form again in this companion piece to Holst…It is a bold undertaking and their versatility as a company is again on display…  the story is worth telling and the plays make a fine tandem. The performances are all striking with Cornelia Baumann in particular doing a deliciously funny turn as one of the pillars of the institution who does recognise what Payne had to offer when the men see it as something they can use  ★★★★ Reviewsgate  

The Stars Are Fire is a striking play about a most striking woman… Ross McGregor, pulling double duty as writer and director, illuminates her story most effectively, warmly and wittily There Ought to be Clowns

McGregor’s words are in good hands. In the care of Laurel Marks, Cecilia Payne blossoms from the awkward loner of HOLST to the groundbreaking young woman and inspirational teacher we see in PAYNE, in which Toby Wynn-Davies makes a cameo appearance as the elderly, endearing Gustav Holst… Lucy Ioannou is a lively Adelaide Ames whose bubbly exterior belies a brain to be reckoned with, and Cornelia Baumann’s dignified and acerbically witty Annie Jump Cannon channels Katherine Hepburn in early century high-collared ruffled blouse. PAYNE: The Stars Are Fire stands as an engaging reminder of these women’s contributions and their lasting position as role models. British Theatre Guide

A tale of amazing women who were marginalised by men… it never falters or fails to hold the attention Southwark News

NOMINATED FOR TWO OFF-WEST END AWARDS: Supporting performer (plays) Cornelia Baumann and Lucy Ioannou