Theatre / Reviews
Review: Outlier, Bristol Old Vic
The third wall is well and truly broken in Outlier at Bristol Old Vic as Malaika Kegode takes us back to her at times chaotic and tragic youth growing up in Devon.
Interspersed with these reminisces are chats with the audience (to a person simply delighted to be sat in an actual theatre), complements to sound engineer Sam Collier and asking permission if she can have a sip of water – Cristiano Ronaldo would be proud.
Described as “gig-theatre”, Kegode is joined on stage by fourpiece band Jakabol, whose original music adds extra layers to her poetry. Imagine Sleaford Mods with a harp or Kae Tempest with a flute.
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Ursa the former Bearpit bear also makes what is most probably her debut appearance at the Old Vic as Kegode (spoiler alert) leaves Devon behind her to make a new start in Bristol.
In Bristol, she meets Jakabol and now the audience here sees them perform on stage together in what the programme notes describe as “true friends, telling honest stories about real places”.
Malaika Kegode and Jakabol on stage in Outlier at Bristol Old Vic – photo: Paul Blakemore
From drug addiction to animal trafficking, mental health struggles to cuddles by the cable ties at the Wilko’s in Newton Abbot, Kegode pulls us deeply into her life story.
“I have to go back,” says Kegode, who repays the faith that Bristol Old Vic have put in her with a compelling central performance, presenting themes that are undoubtedly relevant to so many.
Ad-libs are mixed together with snippets of text conversations and emojis, as Kegode’s poetry and Jakabol’s music intertwine, helped along with playful animations by Christopher Harrisson.
Deeply affecting at times and at others laugh at loud funny, Outlier is a blisteringly honest account of growing up around nothingness and everything.
Outlier is at Bristol Old Vic until June 26. For tickets and more information, visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/outlier
Main photo: Paul Blakemore
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