Nick and Andrew are brothers, but that doesn't mean they're alike. Nick is too scared of the outside world, traumatised by something or someone; Andrew is desperate for a life outside of his apartment. Andrew meets Lily, Nick starts to feel alone.It's a basic enough premise, and not a bad idea either. The problem is it's been done before, and this time it's just not that well executed. This is a new play, and while the writing itself isn't horrific, it feels that Dutch Courage Productions have brought something to the fore that isn't very well directed, and is predictably and unsubtly acted.This may seem a little harsh. There are moments of promise, and occasional well-executed drama. In particular the relationship between Lily and Andrew can be very effective, but other configurations- be they Nick and Andrew, or Nick and Lily, or all three together, or a monologue, or a moment of silent acting, there just seems to be something missing. Later in the play, there is a change in tone as it suddenly becomes very philosophical and poetic, but not in the best way. What seems to be a burgeoning story of love in the face of difficulty becomes something entirely different. Do you sympathise with Nick or Andrew? Both? What about Lily?Outside isn't a greatly thought-out production, and occasionally blocking can feel stunted - particularly the need to walk across the stage to exit and re-enter seconds later between scenes. This cast of three do work well together as a team, and there is a respect for one another on the stage - each giving space and having an understanding of who should do what when - but that said it all feels a little over-rehearsed. The lines are said, but there is nothing behind them. It is emotionally immature: scared, angry and upset rather than anxious, wrath-filled or sorrowful. It's a shame, but I'd rather stay outside of Outside.
