Outpatient: A Dark Comedy Solo-Show at Park Theatre, London
Outpatient, an autobiographical dark comedy by Harriet Madeley, will run at Park Theatre from 20 May to 7 June 2025. The show follows Olive, a self-obsessed entertainment journalist diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, as she grapples with the realities of mortality while striving to make her mark in the world. The production, which won the Summerhall’s Lustrum Award for Unforgettable Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, explores the fragility of life and the egotistical invincibility humans feel when facing death.
About Outpatient – An Autobiographical Journey
Inspired by Madeley’s own experiences with a PSC diagnosis, Outpatient is an autobiographical solo-show about how people cope when facing the possibility of death. Olive, the protagonist, initially seeks to interview dying individuals to boost her career but finds herself facing a life-or-death scenario. The play delves into themes of mortality with a wry sense of humor and relentless energy, offering a unique perspective on illness, death, and the impact of living with the awareness of one’s own fragility.
Artwork for Outpatient - supplied by Park Theatre
What the Critics Are Saying
The Stage described the show as “full of hope… you leave ready to embrace the joys of each day” – a glowing review that highlights how Outpatient balances comedy and hope while confronting life’s inevitable end.
Outpatient at Park Theatre
Written by: Harriet Madeley
Directed by: Madelaine Moore
Running Time: 70 minutes (no interval)
Suitable for: Ages 12+
Press Night: Thursday, 22nd May at 7:00 PM
Venue: Park Theatre, Park 90
Dates: 20 May – 7 June 2025
Tickets are available now for this unique and thought-provoking production, offering an intimate, personal exploration of the human condition.
Harriet Madeley on Outpatient
Harriet Madeley shared her thoughts on writing Outpatient:
“It took me years to work up the courage to write Outpatient, and it’s exhilarating to share it with the world. Based closely on my experience of being diagnosed with PSC (Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis), I hope the show makes audiences laugh, moves them, and, in reminding them of their mortality, leaves them feeling more alive. I wanted to challenge stereotypes around people with life-threatening illnesses—not everyone is a brave warrior; some (like me) might just be having a disaster.”
Crowded Room: Award-Winning Theatre Company
Crowded Room, the theatre company behind Outpatient, is run by Mark Knightley and Harriet Madeley. Known for creating true story-based theatre, the company’s previous productions include The Listening Room (winner of the Chris Donovan Trust Award), 2030 (shortlisted for the Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award), and Sentinels (performed at Somerset House).
Park Theatre – A Hub for Exceptional Theatre
Park Theatre is located in the heart of Finsbury Park, offering two world-class performance spaces: Park200 for larger productions and Park90, a flexible studio space for emerging artists. The venue has enjoyed a number of West End transfers and National Theatre productions, establishing itself as a vibrant part of London’s theatre scene.
Outpatient – A Show Not to Miss
Don’t miss your chance to see Harriet Madeley’s autobiographical dark comedy at Park Theatre from 20 May to 7 June 2025. With its unique exploration of mortality, humor, and human resilience, Outpatient promises to leave audiences with a renewed appreciation for life.
