We chatted to the playwright and performer about the upcoming world premiere of Outside, streaming online from the 18th February.
Hi Gabrielle, could you tell me more about what ‘Outside’ is about? Outside is about a 30 year old woman who has never left the house on her own before. She has lived an extremely sheltered life with only the books her Father publishes as her reference of the world. We meet Willa when she suddenly finds herself searching for evidence of her existence in a witness
protection suite. We then get to learn why she’s there.
How did the idea for the play come about? I work with young people through the arts. I have seen the effects of the lack of funding in support
services for children and young people. Outside explores the effects of someone being left in an unsafe environment their whole life.
How does it feel having to perform it under these circumstances? I feel so fortunate. The theatre industry and the arts has been devastated over the last ten months. But it has shown great strength and adaptability. For me, Outside marks a glimmer of hope for the future, our ability to get back into spaces, doing what we love with the added accessibility of livestream performance!
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? That a survivor of horrific events does not make them a victim.
What are you most looking forward to about performing again? I can’t wait to be working with a super talented creative team. Our whole team have lots of experience within theatre and film, so I am in great hands and we can create Willa’s strange world and make the most of the opportunity to livestream straight into people’s home.
How would you describe ‘Outside’? Outside is dark, honest and sometimes scary but having Willa hold your hand throughout the story
can only be a good thing, can’t it?
By Emma Clarendon
Outside will be live streamed from the 18th to the 20th February. Ticket prices are operating on a pay as you choose system and can be purchased here.