Review: An Instinct (Old Red Lion Theatre)

Review by Heva Morris

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a team Croft and Dye Productions are. The company are on to a winner with what can only be described as an intensely satisfying Queer thriller. With twists and turns that lead to genuine surprises, An Instinct isn’t your run of the mill ‘guessed it in the first five minutes’ kind of show.

Set in a cabin in the woods, Tom, played by Joe Walsham, and Max, played by Conor Dumbrell - despite being exes - move into the secluded cabin to escape an increasingly dangerous virus. As seclusion intensifies and the ‘lockdown’ mindset - that we all know too well - kicks in, the story embarks on a tale of trust, love, and isolation. When uninvited guest Charlie, played by Ben Norris, appears, new dangers quickly arise and ‘gaslighting’ regenerates into something more severe.

It is very clear to why An Instinct was shortlisted for the Theatre503 International playwrighting award in 2023. Hugo Timbrell’s brilliant command of language, characters and genres, makes for a story that leaves you on the edge of your seat. This intricate concoction of comedy, mystery, horror, love, surprise, and drama in some’s hands could be a hard task to pull off, but director Lucy Foster has only gone and done it, and done it incredibly well.

It’s easy to imagine that there is still a lingering feeling of apprehensiveness around ‘pandemic’ related plays – perhaps a, ‘been there done that, can we pretend it never happened?’ feeling. However, it’s a joy to see this play tackle as many sides to this ‘covid-esque’ representation of an isolation as it does. The relatability of the sudden need for ‘yoga’ and ‘banana bread’ is a brilliant comedic reminder to a time gone by. There’s also a deeper thread, tackling topics such as emotional and physical abuse. Covid taught us what really happens behind closed doors with police gaining increased demand for domestic abuse services during the pandemic, and this play’s emphasis on this is a great nod to the need to continue that discussion.

The Old Red Lion have absolutely achieved their mission here to nurture and present the very best of new, emerging theatrical talent. Dumbrell, Walsham and Norris are a dynamic trio to be reckoned with, that you can’t take your eyes off. Dumbrell and Walsham open the play with skilful comedic timing and opposing energies that bounce off one another superbly, easing us into a false sense of security for the journey ahead. Walsham delivers a tapestry of slowly emerging sickening traits that lead us onto the fence about his intentions and then over it. Similarly, Charlie, played by Norris, comes in part way through and any ideas of ‘this doesn’t need a third character’ are quickly washed away by a powerful performance, that makes us question what is really true.

A special nod really does have to be given to Dumbrell playing Max, who’s stage presence and physicality throughout are outstanding. Beats are never missed, with some of the most memorable moments also being those without dialogue, as he commands the stage. Dumbrell shows so many sides to Max with a truly nuanced, alive, and playful performance.

An Instinct is a clear team vision, with tasteful design by Kit Hinchcliffe, Julian Starr and Caelan Oram. Starr’s combination of wind, piano keys, and haunting generosity creates a compelling, eery middle-of-nowhere energy, which is the icing on top of Fosters excellent direction. Her ability to weave so many threads together to build a growing, changing journey of comedy, empathy and relationships that feel real and emotionally varied is impressive.

Perhaps by the end there is a bit of a leap to high emotions and surreal circumstances that loses some of the initial authenticity. If the virus is as deadly as suggested, perhaps even in the madness the concern for that risk may come before confessions of love that suddenly seems all consuming. Or maybe, this is exactly the point, and being isolated in a cabin away from the world, with one hazmat suit between three, really would drive you well and truly away from any sense.

If you want a thriller that is reminiscent of beloved cult classics like Shaun of the Dead, this is it. An excellent reason to leave your house in the cold and dark, there are no regrets when seeing this Queer love or ‘toxic’ love story, that stays away from stereotypes and delves into something deeper.

An Instinct plays at the Old Red Lion Theatre until December 6th

For tickets and information visit https://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/an-instinct.html

Photos by Craig Fuller