Gripping new thriller An Instinct will make its London debut at the Old Red Lion Theatre from Tuesday 18th November to Saturday 6th December 2025.
Written by Hugo Timbrell and directed by Offie-nominated Lucy Foster, An Instinct is set during the early days of a nationwide lockdown, where survival hinges on trust, manipulation, and the thin line between truth and fear.
Shortlisted for the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award 2023, the play offers a visceral exploration of fear, identity, and power, leaning into the aesthetics of classic thrillers.
Set entirely within one room, An Instinct examines the fragility of trust and the dangers that arise when those meant to protect us become the source of threat.
The cast includes Connor Dumbrell as Max, Ben Norris as Charlie, and Joe Walsham as Tom.
Lighting design is by Caelan Oram, sound design by Julian Star, stage management by Adriana Perucca, and set and costume design by Kit Hinchcliffe.
Writer Hugo Timbrell said, “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 added, “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.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
