Outlying Islands, Jermyn Street Theatre Review
Written by Bronagh for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
It’s 1939, we’re in Scotland and World War 2 is looming. We meet Robert (Bruce Langley) and John (Fred Woodley Evans), two young men sent from the Ministry to study bird behaviours on the remote island. We then meet the island’s leaseholder Kirk (Kevin McMonagle) and his niece Ellen (Whitney Kehinde), which is where things start to unravel and we slowly discover the motive behind the visit to the outlying island…
Outlying Islands is now over twenty years old, premiering in 2002. Since then there have been six revivals, including the Jermyn Street Theatre production, and award wins and nominations including an Olivier Award. This 2025 production promises the same thrill and thought provoking elements as its predecessors.
The Jermyn Street Theatre is a small space, meaning as soon as we are in our seat we are immersed in the action. Anna Lewis’ set is multidimensional, acting as numerous locations on this small island. The background is a painting of the rugged landscape and thrashing waves, complimented by Christopher Preece’s sound bites of crashing waves and bird song. It really does feel like we are also on this island, sat around the table on a freezing cold day.
Kehinde’s performance is particularly special to watch, with her monologue before the interval especially captivating and symbolising her being a shy girl no more. Her transformation from a quiet girl into a confident, happier woman is brilliant to watch; Kehinde is one to watch going forwards.
Although clearly a charmer Robert can come across as irritatingly ballsy and confident but also knowledgeable in his field. This is very well acted by Langley. John is slightly more likeable although more insecure in himself, trailing behind slightly which is overall acted perfectly by Woodley Evans. Although not on stage for long, McMonagle is a crowd pleaser as the grumpy leaseholder who will try to get money if he can. I didn’t expect to find Outlying Islands as funny as I did, and credit is due to the cast for bringing the bizarrely humorous moments to life. All characters have depth, nothing one dimensional about them, meaning we do get to know them well throughout the show.
The story itself is interesting to watch unfold, with a unsuspecting love triangle taking over with both Robert and John fighting for Ellen’s affection. There is no subtlety here, both clearly wanting to make the most of their four weeks of the island, leading Ellen astray from what appears to have been a sheltered life thus far. Things take a darker turn when we discover the motive behind the Ministry’s trip to the island and their intentions which come as an almighty shock to Robert and John too. There is plenty of humour amongst the more serious tines, creating a winning combination overall, weaving the dark and bizarre with the beautiful and thrilling.
There is a reason why this play is award winning and still an audience favourite. Described as a ‘rare revival’ by The Jermyn Street Theatre, this is one that I would very much suggest getting yourself down to before the limited run comes to an end.
At the Jermyn Street Theatre until 15th March 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
