Reviews

On entering Jermyn Street Theatre’s small but perfectly formed cavernous environs for their latest opener OUTLYING ISLANDS, one is instantly enveloped by the muted sepia tones of a harsh and unforgiving coastal backdrop. Lightly sketched seabirds carouse the skies before a gigantic rocky outcrop, as torrents of spray rise from the turbulent waters below. Best of all, Anna Lewis’ design deploys a hand painted cyc, with not a projection in sight.

Bruce Langley and Fred Woodley Evans in Outlying Islands at Jermyn Street Theatre. Photo by Alex Brenner

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There are occasions in a reviewer’s life, when we are exposed to a nugget of political history which encapsulates sufficient intrigue that we yearn for it to receive the attentions of an accomplished playwright. Such writers can often weave the factual nuggets into an interesting and compelling yarn. The best are brim full of wit, wisdom and relatable characters with stories and opinions which inspire, unnerve, interest and elicit (from those of us with our bums on seats) oodles of empathy, envy, compassion and admiration. Unfortunately John Ransom Phillips’ homage to the feisty and oft maligned Mary Lincoln (wife of President Abraham Lincoln) achieves few of these.

Miriam Grace Edwards and Sam Jenkins-Shaw in Mrs President (credit Pamela Raith)

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