Outstageus At The Lowry, Salford Review

Reviewed by Dottie Rood

It would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention that this show might be out of my comfort zone! However, that is exactly why I chose to go to it.  Was it out of my comfort zone?  At the beginning, yes, the first performer used very explicit language to describe body parts and sexual acts which distracted me from ‘listening’ properly however as this thought-provoking monologue continued I began to understand what the actor was trying to portray.  What followed was a series of emotional, poignant and eye-opening series of short ‘plays’.

A Second Chance by Roo Pilkington. Performed by Joyce Branch, Alexandra Mathis and directed by Adam Zone. This told the story of an older lady who had been married 35 years and after her husband died has decided to explore her sexuality by visiting a female sex worker. It was done with compassion, humour and understanding by both actors and was enjoyable to watch whilst exploring a sensitive subject.

The Right One by Luke Elliot. Performed by Levi Payne, Jelani D’Aquilar and directed by Cheryl Martin, it discussed the perspective of asexuality and challenged the concept of ‘normalcy’ that surrounds romantic relationships and sexuality. I found this both interesting and informative, giving me an insight into a subject I did not know a lot about.

Milkshake by Connor Cooper. Performed by Beth Alsbury, Liam Wheeler and directed by Isobel Coward. The actors use a sequence of dialogues and monologues to illustrate the internal struggles, external obstacles and societies perceptions that could be facing a person with a disability on their first date with an able-bodied person. It had some humour in that made us laugh out loud but at the end my sympathy was with the able-bodied actor who couldn’t really do right for doing wrong, I guess that was the point!

Twenty by Mitesh Soni. Performed by Adi Chugh and directed by Adam Zane. This monologue was very thought provoking and explored important issues with regards to consent and respect within relationships. Although this was based within the gay community I thought it could have been describing actions in other communities and found it very disturbing in its honesty.

From Kray to Crone by Lel Meleyal. Performed by Alexandra Mathie and directed by Mike Lee. This was a poignant monologue discussing the changes that face the LGBTQ+ community. It highlighted the fight a seasoned lesbian has had in the past, fighting for survival and visibility to the seemingly ungrateful ease the younger generation take up the space that they fought for. I felt this was perhaps more about the generational gap than the fight that had happened in the past as there is a lot the next generation take for granted?

The Sweet Shop Lament by Saskia Pay. Performed by Levi Payne and directed by Cheryl Martin. We saw a unique unfiltered insight into the mind of a complex individual portrayed in a daring and humorous way. I found this a little bit disturbing if I am honest. (Was this the opening play? Maybe!)

Out Out by Izzy Campbell. Performed by George Hughes, Liam Wheeler and directed by Adam Zane. This play delivers an affecting narrative about transient connections and their enduring impact. I enjoyed these two actors and their exploration of sexuality and societal norms and understood what they were trying to portray.

If I Ever See Her Again by KT Miles. Performed by Niamh Erin Bowling and directed by Isobel Coward. Niamh explores the pain of transitioning and the resulting shift in relationships from the perspective of a non-binary person highlighting the complexity of personal growth intertwined with love and loss. Unfortunately, this was not one of the ‘plays’ I could really follow but found the acting and ‘expressionism’ good.

Deranged by Rav Bansal. Performed by Ruchika Jain, Jason Patel and directed by Cheryl Martin. Here are a mum and son (Jason) having a chat about an arranged marriage for Jason! Using light humour Ruchika and Jason begin to confront the cultural expectations in British Indian families and then, bombshell Jason tells his mum he has a boyfriend! This was enjoyable to watch while exploring an important subject.

2545 by Rian Craske. Performed by Matthew Forey, Sebastian Emmerson and directed by Mike Lee. This ‘play’ uses numbers very effectively to explore human and actual costs for a young trans man in finding his way towards self-actualisation. Again, I enjoyed this and found the message emotional and truthful.

I found each of these short ‘plays’ interesting but preferred some more than others due to content, understanding of what was trying to be portrayed and the actors’ abilities. They were all insightful, thought provoking and in some respects, enlightening.

Rating: 4/5

OUTSTAGEUS 2023 is at The Lowry Manchester.
For more information or to book tickets visit : thelowry.com
or call box office : 01618762000
The Lowry Pier 8 The Quays Salford Manchester M50 3AZ