Search

Saved articles

You have not yet added any article to your bookmarks!

Browse articles

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Graveyard of the Outcast Dead

 
Mel Evans Review by Mel Evans 3 Published: 16 Aug 2023 theSpace on the Mile Show Dates: 5 Aug 2023-25 Aug 2023

Written by Kira Mason and directed by Matthew Attwood, Graveyard of the Outcast Dead is a musical play that tells a series of connected Gothic folktales.

A refreshing feminist perspective to cultural mediaevalism

It's performed by a young, talented cast who work well together in using folkloric traditions and language to take us on an atmospheric journey. The play is not as frightening or spooky as the title suggests, but it does deal with dilemmas, suspense and mystery.

There is also a strong, metatheatrical element: the narrative is disrupted by commentary and objections from the performers, bringing a refreshing feminist perspective to cultural medievalism which denied women their agency – a time when women were at best chattels, and at worst, persecuted as witches. For this reason, the story has a contemporary feel about it.

Eilidh West gives a spirited performance as Blood; Alexander Tait plays the lover with a charming innocence; Olivia McIntosh plays Rust with a mixture of vulnerability and defiance; Brick is played by Clare Wootton who gives a feisty and pragmatic performance, driving the play forward; Ewan Burns uses a spritely energy throughout, but also manages a sinister malevolence when playing the wolf.

The play has a lovely dreamlike quality, but, at times, this is used to veil some of the more confusing gearshifts, making the plot quite hard to follow.

It’s heartening to see a show like this at Edinburgh - a young company cutting its teeth. And while the show needs some work, this is definitely the best place to present a first look.

Related to this article:

Location:

Performances

The Blurb:

An actor-musician piece inspired by Frank Turner’s song and the story of the Winchester Geese / Crossbones Graveyard in Southwark, London. Prepare yourself for a journey between worlds as we experience a Christmas like no other. A merging of medieval, modern, and everything in between. Observe an intimate evening within the graveyard/pub filled with stories, riddles, and live music. The Lover searches for his lost love. The Geese search for a choice. The Tender connects their worlds together. Grab a drink and join us for a "love story" that transcends both life and death.