THEATRE REVIEW: OutStageUs - The Lowry Theatre, Salford.

OutStageUs is a now annual event produced by Hive North which shines a light on LGBTQIA+ issues with an evening of new writing by, for, and about those from that community. If you like, it's a Gay JB Shorts!

This evening's production was in the Quays Theatre, and in the two-hours in their company we watched 10 short plays, written and directed especially for this event. 

The evening attracts high profile performers and creatives - and indeed, this evening we had the privilege and pleasure of watching both Joyce Branagh and Alexandra Mathie perform in what was, for me at least, the event's absolute highlight, a short play called 'A Second Chance' by Roo Pilkington, directed by Adam Zane. The evening also raises awareness and highlights the issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community on a daily basis, and which often go unnoticed or unacknowledged. The plays offer humour and pathos in equal measure, and are intended to make us think as they put their points across. However, it did cross my mind that I was very much in the minority in tonight's audience as a straight male, and so, perhaps they were somewhat preaching to the converted. 

An entertaining evening which would have worked better on a smaller stage, for example to Lowry's Studio or Hope Mill Theatre, since this is essentially a Fringe theatre event. Sincerely and candidly presented and the audience loved it.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 15.7.23