What is human nature? How similar are our needs to those of the animals around us? Is society a force of refinement, or restriction? These are some of the questions posed by David Greig’s play Outlying Islands.
August 1939, a prelude to the Second World War. Arriving on a remote Scottish island to a pagan chapel they will call home for the next month, Robert, (Bruce Langley) and John (Fred Woodley-Evans) are sent from London to undertake ministry-ordered observational research into the island’s seabird inhabitants. But this is not all that will be observed. Chaperoned by island owner Old man Kirk (Kevin McMonagle), accompanied by his young niece Ellen (Whitney Kehinde), the events which unfold offer a complex exploration of human nature. Our desires, when free from the shackles of society, and the contradictory instinct to remain caged by them.
Langley and Woodley-Evans are a dazzling pair, both characters from the offset deeply charming. Langley as the naturally charismatic Robert, toying with John, his sweetly naïve junior. There is something enthralling about watching these two tender characterisations unravel to show us their true underlying needs. Comparatively, Kehinde offers a character with less desire to unravel. She knows what she wants, she just needs the opportunity to pursue it. Her chaperone, played by McMonagle, is a brilliantly executed presence. A fully believable portrayal of a stubborn man with a layered history.
David Greig’s script is sharp, introspective and witty. Moreover, it’s revival feels timely – a play about human nature, societal influence and our dark capabilities. Despite a sense of socio-political relevance, Director Jessica Lazar took care to maintain the subtlety and nuance of the text. Moments which a less adept director may have leaned into, Lazar saw as chillingly understated. Moreover, with such strong performances from every cast member, this was a choice she was able to fully execute.
Visually, the piece is striking – a brooding tempestuous island fraught with an atmospheric tension, carefully weaved into scenes. This is the expert work of lighting (David Doyle), sound (Christopher Preece) and set (Anna Lewis) which complement one another absolutely. A cyclorama of the islands landscape lines the stage, a beautiful yet threatening presence which never leaves. Notably, Doyle’s lighting is pitch perfect; a throbbing pule of humanity in surrealist moments, a beautifully curated glow from a fire, or an uninviting chapel in more naturalistic scenes. Through the production, despite the small stage, there is a real sense of isolation, which helps propel the action on stage and realise the story.
For all its great strengths, it must be said that the comedy in the text didn’t always come through. However, an otherwise fully rounded production, you could argue that it didn’t need to.
This rendition of Outlying Islands is a grippingly tense, yet cleverly nuanced production. With a stellar cast and creative team, and the power to stimulate serious introspection from the audience seats, it is certainly worth an evening.
The show is running till March 15th, get tickets here: https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/
Reviewer: Sadie Pearson
Reviewed: 15th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
