Theatre Royal Plymouth Announces Return Of Home-Grown Hit, Outlier – Preview

The critically acclaimed South West production, Outlier, will be revived by Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) this Autumn. The production’s triumphant return celebrates the extraordinary work of TRP’s Associate Director Malaika Kegode and marks the continued ambition to welcome more South West artists and gig theatre to The Drum.

Originally developed and co-produced by Bristol Old Vic and Liz Counsell the genre-defying, gripping show, Outlier, will be produced by TRP and will run from 26 September – 05 October 2024.

Outlier is an autobiographical, gig-theatre show written and performed by Malaika Kegode. Directed by Jenny Davies, the production also features exhilarating music by Bristol prog-rock band Jakabol. With set design by Rebecca Wood and evocative animation design by Chris Harrisson.

Based on Malaika’s teenage years, the genre-defying and emotional, Outlier explores the impact of isolation, addiction and friendship on young people in the often-forgotten places.

Award-winning writer, performer and creative producer, Malaika was appointed as an Associate Director at TRP in June 2023. She said: “I’m so excited for Outlier to be returning to the stage, especially here in Plymouth – only half an hour from where the play is based and where the story was lived. This show is incredibly special to me, and every step of our journey so far has brought new connections and opportunities to shine a light on the realities of growing up in rural towns. Outlier is about young people, but it speaks to anyone who has ever felt isolated, lost, and longed for the addictive warmth of belonging. I can’t wait to bring more people into our world and give audiences a safe place to land.”

This will be one of the first gig theatre shows to appear in The Drum as TRP executes its new producing and programming strategy as part of its creative renewal journey. Combining theatre with poetry, fortified by live music, all artists and aspects unite to take the audience on a journey and share a story.

Outlier runs at Theatre Royal Plymouth 26 September – 05 October 2024. Tickets can be purchased https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/outlier. On Thursday 03 October, Malaika will host a one-off after party event, featuring exclusive new work and an open mic for local artists to get the chance to perform their poetry alongside improvised music by Jakabol. For further information and secure tickets, visit https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/outlier-the-after-party/.