Writer and Director: L. T. Hewitt
L. T. Hewitt brings their new play Outing, exploring repressed sexuality, to the Hen & Chickens as part of Camden Fringe. Having written and directed the piece, as well as starring in a supporting role, it feels like an extra pair of eyes may have benefited this production.
Outing is unafraid to get messy from the outset with an engaging premise. Adam (L. T. Hewitt) comes out to his friend Jamie (Joshua Shea), having just broken up with his university girlfriend. In a moment of trust, Jamie confides that he too is gay – or he’s around 80% sure that he is. Yet, the next scene sees Jamie flirting with Ella (Heather Collier) as he doesn’t feel the need to stop playing the field while he makes up the other 20% of his mind. From this point, Jamie digs deeper and deeper into the lies he tells himself and those around him.
Fringe festivals provide fantastic opportunities to try out ideas and the concept for Hewitt’s piece really does have legs. Coming to terms with queer identity can be a complex journey for many people, some of whom suppress these unwanted feelings and live indefinitely in denial. The prolongation of this secret can, of course, then lead to further upset if/when the truth does come to light and those who have been lied to feel betrayed. All of this is prime material for dramatisation, yet Outing finds a few barriers in the way of its success.
First and foremost, the piece feels like it has been constructed around ideas rather than people. This is clear in a few ‘conversations’ which are just thinly veiled reflections/criticisms on society from Hewitt, with little attention paid to how the characters would naturally navigate this topic.
Between these moments of reflection is a lot of ‘banter’ between the characters; a difficult type of dialogue to master. The way that people flirt, tease or entertain each other is incredibly personal and specific to each relationship. Without more established personalities, some lines feel awkward because they lack a convincing sense of ‘play’ behind them. This responsibility is shared between both the writing and performances, as even the most cringe-worthy joke can be sold with enough imagination and charisma. There are definitely times when each performer demonstrates some inspiration on this front, though they need to more fully commit to their choices.
A minimal set design is a staple of most fringe shows. The configuration of wooden boxes at the start of Outing is quite promising, as there is real versatility in plain, adaptable design elements. The production ends up cluttering itself, however, with odd props which provide little to the scene. A particularly obscure moment sees Jamie and Adam have an important conversation whilst throwing a ball between each other. It is unclear whether the ball is symbolic of something in particular or Hewitt simply wanted something to do with their hands.
Outing is an idea with future potential, but for now is a production which needs work. Stronger relationships between the characters would streamline the show and evoke stronger reactions as the inevitable confrontation looms closer.
Runs until 20 August 2024
Camden Fringe runs until 25 August 2024
