Explaining themselves: Yalin Ozucelik and Rachel Gordon as Matt and Olivia. Photo: Prudence Upton
I went to Outdated with some trepidation, fearing yet another unlikely ‘love blossoms in the autumn years’ a la Best Exotic Marigold Hotel or some such. What a wonderfully happy relief to find it is not! Written and directed by Mark Kilmurry, this two-hander holds a mirror up to some of the nervous, awkward and exhausting (note exhausting) realities of dating later in life – in this case, two singles in their 40s – and also the unintentionally comedic situations that can arise.
It would not have worked so well without the two exceptional performances from Rachel Gordon as Olivia and Yalin Ozucelik as Matt, neither of whom is a stranger to the Ensemble stage (notably The Norman Conquests). As a stumbling, stuttering, anxious-to-please uni lecturer, Ozucelik is endearingly believable. He is an actor whose comic timing is spot on: he manages to make just sitting on a chair hilarious without being farcical. Gordon’s jaded, equally anxious but more cynical Olivia is also a joy to watch. Both are capable of being their own worst enemies as they fall over their emotional baggage and try to find a way forward.
One of the things I loved about Outdated is that it is not sugar-coated. The asinine voiceover from the ‘You Plus Me’ dating app, with its tips on profiles and photographs, is horribly believable. Whenever Oliva and Matt meet, their thoughts on the other are delivered to the audience as asides, and so we go on this perilous journey with them. Early on there is a jogging scene, which is just brilliant and literally breathtakingly funny (but not if you are Matt!).
I also loved the joyous moments courtesy of a karaoke app, which gave full rein to Gordon’s song and dance capabilities, as well as some of the slickest scene changes an audience could ever hope for. Set and costume design credits go to Simon Greer and choreography is by Shondelle Pratt.
Sharply directed with never a dull moment, this play will resonate with anyone who has used internet or app dating, and should make anyone who hasn’t very grateful!
Make it a date.
Outdated runs at the Ensemble Theatre until 17 April. Tickets: $38-$79
ensemble.com.au/outdated/
