Outlying Islands

It is summer 1939 and two young Cambridge naturalists arrive on a remote Hebridean island to conduct a wildlife survey on behalf of the Government. They are accompanied by Kirk, the island’s tenant, and his attractive young niece Ellen. When Kirk inadvertently reveals to the boys the true reason for their mission, they are drawn into a primeval world of emotional discovery, sexual passion, voyeurism and murder. Outlying Islands is an at times comic, touching and hauntingly beautiful Scottish play about loss of innocence.

Directed by the award-winning Richard Baron and designed by Ken Harrison, the production involved a thrilling soundscape by Jon Beales and beautifully atmospheric lighting by Matthew Eagland.

Outlying Islands was produced in association with Heart of Hawick and supported by Creative Scotland.

 

**** Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman

**** Neil Cooper, The Herald

Highly Recommended Show by FringeReview

​

​

What the audience thought:

​

“Just seen outlying islands great play totally absorbing great production and setting with fantastic acting has everything serious with a touch of comedy and unexpected twists and turns, for someone who is not a regular theatre goer it urges me to go more often” John Waddell, Facebook

​

“Brilliant, a superb piece of writing, acting and direction. Thank you for coming to the Gaiety, it was great to see such a lyrical and emotional piece in Ayr” George Cameron, Facebook

 

“Thoroughly enjoyed the preview night of Outlying Islands last night, superb theatre as ever from Firebrand Theatre Company, great cast, fabulous set - this is heading for Peebles, Gala and Kelso and I cannot recommend it enough - go see folks, go see!” Al Patullo, Facebook

​

“Thank you so much, Firebrand Theatre Company! Had a wonderful experience tonight at Mac Arts which is just 3 or 4 minutes walk from my home in Galashiels. Stunning production of ‘Outlying Islands’, a riveting play by David Greig. Beautifully written, absorbing story about what happens when two young men are sent to catalogue birds on a remote Scottish Island, owned by an irascible whiskey-swilling old man who lives there with his young niece. Its storytelling at its best, full of twists and turns. The acting by the cast of four is of the highest standard and it’s superbly directed by Richard Baron. And the beautiful pre-show music by the harpist was a lovely touch. The magic of theatre - you can’t beat it!”  Tom Scott, Facebook

​

CAST:

​

Helen.                         Helen Mackay

Robert.                        Martin Richardson 

John                            James Rottger

Kirk                              Crawford Logan

​

Director                       Richard Baron

Designer                      Ken Harrison

Lighting Designer       Matt Eagland

Sound Designer         Jon Beales

​

 

Toured September-October 2014:

​

Heart of Hawick

MacArts, Galashiels

Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Birnam Arts, Birnam

Tait Hall, Kelso

Eastgate Theatre, Peebles

Fullarton Theatre, Castle Douglas

Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock

Ayr Gaiety

Dundee Rep

MacRobert, Stirling

Websters, Glasgow