Bruce Langley and Fred Woodley Evans in Outlying Islands at Jermyn Street Theatre. Photo by Alex BrennerFor all that David Greig’s play is set on an exposed and far-off Scottish island, the atmosphere whilst initially comedic, soon veers towards tense and claustrophobic as two young Cambridge lads find themselves surveying the remnants of a long abandoned settlement for the Ministry. Set during the war years, we discover by increments, that Robert (Bruce Langley) and John (Fred Woodley-Evans) believe they have been sent to assess the wildlife populations, most notably the various species of bird life which nest there. Used only by its gruff and deadpan owner Mr Kirk (Kevin McMonagle) who grazes his flock of 80 sheep in the summer months, we gradually learn that he and his initially shy niece Ellen (Whitney Kehinde) have previously been contacted by the Ministry with a view to testing a biological weapon (Anthrax, as was used on the island of Gruinard in 1942) and the young men are merely cataloguing the existing wildlife populations so that the pathogen’s effectiveness can subsequently be measured following exposure.
Amidst the excitement of studying and recording the birds’ behaviours (and contempt for their broader purpose which officialdom had sought to withhold from them), the young men’s exuberant hormones clash with the sobering sanctimoniousness of Kirk’s religious fervour as he attempts to dowse any burgeoning lasciviousness between the young bucks and his already wayward cinema-going ward. Meanwhile she clearly feels the elemental paganism of the place and openly embraces both the idea and potential reality of her sexual awakening.
Whilst not all of the cast of characters may survive to the final liberation which comes a month after they landed ashore, under Jessica Lazar‘s subtle direction each actor delivers a sensitively generous performance, rich with intimated back story and individual turmoil. With nuanced sound and lighting design provided by Christopher Preece and David Doyle respectively, the small West End space has come up trumps with this unexpectedly atmospheric and suspenseful production, which despite a marginally long running time, maintains audience interest throughout and demonstrates just what can be achieved in a small space with the right material and a talented team of creatives.
