Two men in an isolated cabin who are fleeing a virus makes a neat scenario for Hugo Timbrell’s new play. Making them ex-boyfriends expands the drama and adding a current partner provides twists. An Incident entertains and further impresses by tackling serious topics, of domestic abuse and mental health, in equal measure.

Max and Tom had a messy break up. That they remain emotionally involved is skilfully portrayed by Conor Dumbrell and Joe Walsham who take the roles. It becomes clear the relationship was abusive as Tom dramatizes the virus – the gaslighting is easy to spot but still convincing.

Walsham does a good job of making Tom frightening. You could easily imagine the character as a stalker. But the scenes are best when Tom is calmer, far more chilling. And his slippers are oddly scary too. Dumbrell has a tougher job as the victim. Frankly, it’s too hard to disagree when he is said to be stupid, maybe that’s my prejudice against Tarot card readers. But Dumbrell makes his character endearing and it’s a shame he doesn’t get more time for resolution in a final scene that needs a better build up.

The influence of the Covid lockdown is clear and Timbrell uses it well to make behaviour relatable (didn’t you make banana bread?). It is debateable whether making this virus different might dawn on the audience a little too late. But the sense of panic about contagion is strong writing.

Bringing Tom’s new boyfriend, Charlie, into the mix has, well, mixed results. The play takes a turn towards horror as the character is so deranged. Ben Norris’s portrayal of the part is committed but this “complicated” man needs filling out and the chemistry is lacking. Credit for all the coughing (that’s not easy) but Charlie isn’t frightening enough. Combining the horror genre with big topics is a good idea, but An Incident isn’t quite scary enough. Lucy Foster’s direction could be swifter but deals with the space well and the sound effects help a lot.

Reservations aside, An Incident is a sound four star show. Would someone really use a virus to their own advantage? Of course! Plenty of people don’t distinguish themselves in a crisis. That’s what really scary about Timbrell’s play. Making such a wild story believable is solid work and worth watching. 

Until 6 December 2025

www.theoldredliontheatre.co.uk

Photo by Craig Fuller