Outward Bound

The original production of Outward Bound was the hit of the 1923 London theatre season, produced by author Sutton Vane, after producers shied away from its unusual subject matter.

It is an interesting concept. Initially, the story is ostensibly about seven passengers at sea, but we realise that they are aboard the SS Eternity and they are in fact bound for Heaven…or Hell.

KADS' Director Anita Bound sets the action in "the past … present … sometime …" ) and the costumes (Rose Weighell, Anita Bound and cast), though often striking, give little clue to a time period, although at times the dialogue and the sentiments feel a little dated.

Geoff Rumsey's ship lounge set is thoughtfully designed and well-finished and the set and lighting (Stephen Marr) are used by the director to give interesting, subtle nods to the surreal nature of the play.

Geoff Rumsey does double duty as an actor, playing superbly the interesting role of ship steward who provides a compelling back story.

This show features three stage debuts, with Jason Milman, in a significant role, a young, earnestly performing Nic Alexander and Marloo's Front of House stalwart Les Marshall, all showing promise. They are helped along their way with the experience of performers including Terry Hackett reprising the role of Mrs Clivedon-Banks (which she last played for KADS in 1991), Alex Sutton as alcoholic Tom Prior, Rosie Collyer, sweet as Ann, an unrecognisable John Pomfret as obnoxious Mr Lingley and a delightful Kerry Goode as Mrs Midget.

There were a few little line flubs that were nicely recovered and the cast worked well as an ensemble. I found myself wondering why only a few characters sported British accents in a show that was pointedly English and at times pace could have been better, but this production had a lovely feeling and the mid-size audience quietly enjoyed the production.

Kimberley Shaw