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24 August 2026
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2 1/2 **
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Richard Harris’s 1979 play hit the ground running when it was first performed and spawned a filmed version of the play starring Paul Eddington, Prunella Scales and Maureen Lipman and, subsequently, a TV series which expanded the story and the characters. The comedy set around cricket is regularly seen up and down the country and is a play in which this reviewer has appeared twice, in different roles. The mix of characters offers theatrical companies a good range of parts for their actors and the setting is something a bit different for audiences.
First performed at Sidmouth Rep in 1990, it was repeated in 1997, but not again until now. As ever, the set is a triumph with a cleverly designed pavilion and edge of cricket ground – the attention to detail is top notch, take note that the clock which sits on the roof does work! There is a lot to get on a small stage and it is a treat to behold. The pace rattles along well and director, Jason Marc-Williams, has really encouraged the cast to carefully choose when they can talk over each other which injects an authenticity in line delivery without affecting the storytelling. Likewise he has guided the actors towards the broader end of performance to squeeze the humour from the script and from the situations therein.
Having known the script for many years, but not actually seen a production for over twenty,  my perception of the play has, however, changed. Always termed a comedy, it is unfortunately no longer particularly funny. The issue mainly stems from the male characters who are largely unpleasant and their language is intensely sexist while the female characters are a mix of the subservient and the bolshie – in 2026 this doesn’t come over well and engaging with them is a struggle.
I apportion no blame to the performers who work their socks off. Perhaps the most successful of Harris’s creations is Maggie – the bricklaying wife of Kevin who excels in the kitchen; Julia Main’s welcome return to Sidmouth, allows her to give her all and makes for an excellent partnership with  Sam McInnerny’s sensitive love of her life. Joshua Coley’s Roger is a bold, brash, bully who treats his wife Miriam – played by Bridget Lambert –  appallingly in his obsessive desire to win a game of cricket. These are really tricky parts to play and they throw themselves into them. Charlie Bryant smartly turns Bob into a coiled spring of emotions as he tries to make amends with his wife Ginnie – a wonderfully simmering performance from Holly Ashman. Dominic McChesney is spot on as Dennis, the womanising, wheeler-dealer who eventually gets his comeuppance. Jake Seabrooke is appropriately snooty as an arrogant solicitor and Laura Anna-Mead probably gets the highest laughs per line ratio as the vacuous Sharon. It is a great cast.
Times and attitudes change and humour develops; Outside Edge is a period piece and almost feels like it has transformed into a satire on toxic masculinity – am I taking it too seriously? All this being said, there is much to admire in Jason Marc-Williams’ production and it is very much for the viewer to make up their minds as to whether the comedy still works.
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Cast
Miriam – Bridget Lambert
Roger – Joshua Coley
Bob – Charlie Bryant
Dennis – Dominic McChesney
Maggie – Julia Main
Kevin – Sam McInnerny
Ginnie – Holly Ashman
Alex – Jake Seabrooke
Sharon – Laura Anna-Mead
Creatives
Writer – Richard Harris
Director – Jason Marc-WIlliams
Set Design – Andrew Beckett
Costume Designer – Janet Huckle
Lighting Design – Chris Jackson & Will Tippett
Sound Design – James Prendergast
Props Supervisor – James Prendergast
Set Builder – Rhys Cannon
Stage Manager – James Prendergast
Sound/Lighting Operation – Rhys Cannon
Stage Management Team – Dominic McChesney & Rhys Cannon
Season Producer – Andrew Beckett
Season Patron – Paul Taylor-Mills
Photo Image – Sidmouth Rep
