An Instinct at Old Red Lion Theatre

An Instinct is a gripping new thriller coming to the Old Red Lion Theatre this November. Set in the early days of a nationwide lockdown, survival hinges on trust, manipulation, and the thin line between truth and fear. This chilling production from emerging writer Hugo Timbrell (My Life As A Cowboy, Omnibus Theatre; The Vessel, Hampstead Theatre) and Offie-nominated director Lucy Foster (CREAK, Bush Theatre; Roaring Women, Hampstead Theatre) brings psychological horror and a unforgettable experience.

Shortlisted for the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award 2023, An Instinct will offer a visceral theatrical exploration into fear, identity, and power, leaning into the aesthetics of classic thrillers. Set entirely within the confines of one room, the play explores the fragility of trust and the dangers that arise when those meant to protect us become the very source of threat.

Playing the role of Max will be Connor Dumbrell (Four Felons and a Funeral, Birmingham Hippodrome; Crying Shame, Pleasance/Stanley Arts), alongside them will be Ben Norris (The Choir of Man, Arts Theatre; The Archers, BBC Radio 4) as Charlie and Joe Walsham (Boudica, Unicorn Theatre) playing Tom.

Caelan Oram (A Manchester Anthem, Riverside Studios; Drag Baby, Pleasance Theatre)

will lead on lighting design, with sound design from Julian Star (Four Play, Kings Head Theatre; Seagull: A True Story, Marylebone Theatre), stage management from Adriana Perucca (Clarkston, Trafalgar Theatre; Grud, Hampstead Theatre) and set and costume design from Kit Hinchcliffe (Dear Martin, Arcola Theatre; Mapping Gender, Tate Lates/The Place/Boltic Centre for Contemporary Arts).

Writer Hugo Timbrell comments, An Instinct is an out and proud queer thriller that’ll have you questioning what, or who, to believe moment-to-moment. If you think you’ve got it solved the next scene will turn the play on its head, and have you questioning who to trust, or even whether you trust yourself anymore.

Director Lucy Foster comments, Everything about An Instinct should surprise you. It’s a pandemic play – or is it? Max is in danger – or is he? He’s being lied to – or is the truth even more terrifying than fiction? Transporting North London audiences to a cabin in the woods has been an absolute dream, and I’ve loved getting to unravel the twists and turns of Hugo’s incredible play.