To the melodic tune of the song, ‘We’ll Meet Again’ (defining hope and optimism), Jonathan, a thirty-something young man is faffing and fussing about in the kitchen, attempting to lay the table neatly, water-jug, cutlery, glasses, napkins. He has prepared a surprise anniversary dinner for his girlfriend Mia and he is desperately nervous, just hoping that everything goes to plan.
With chicken soup (a secret family recipe), and breadsticks served, an expensive bottle of Chateau d’Ydquem (2010), poured, the romantic celebration can begin and they toast to another two incredible, wonderful years together. Then the doorbell rings.
As the narrative is described: ‘A stranger at the door. A past long buried. A secret that changes everything’.
The intruder of the title is Sam, who reveals to Jonathan a shocking story about someone he previously knew, which will have a devastating impact on his life. No plot spoiler here but be prepared for a gripping, gritty thriller with unexpected twists and turns.
We live in a dangerous social media world of financial scams, (alleged) sexual assault, fake everything - designer handbags, Labubu toys, personal identities. How we can trust anyone we do not know.
So, when Sam accuses Jonathan of an outrageous crime, trying to persuade Mia to accept the truth about her boyfriend, who can we believe - one person’s word against another. The well-choreographed confrontation, close up in this intimate enclosed space, creates a menacing atmosphere you can cut with a knife.
The narrative has echoes of a classic drama, ‘An Inspector Calls’, J.B. Priestley (1945), takes place during a quiet family dinner when Detective Goole unexpectedly arrives to share the news of the death of a woman. He suggests that their personal connection and social involvement with her in the past, have now led to tragedy. But who exactly is the mysterious visitor, Detective Goole.?
In similar theatrical mode, ‘Intrusion’ is a modern Morality play, about facing the consequences of our actions with the need to question truth, lies, deceit, doubt. Without factual proof, we cannot expect fair justice.
While ‘Locked in Thought’ is a new amateur theatre company, the professional standard of acting is simply exemplary, each actor totally immersed in the characters' shifting motives, emotions and thoughts.
Katrina Hamilton Smith brilliantly depicts Mia from her joyful laughter over dinner to expressing utter bewilderment in her eyes, glancing between the two men. With a hint of David Tennant in looks and manner, James Cumming captures Jonathan’s comedic, nervous energy at the start, before he is suddenly thrown into a state of confusion, desperation and sheer panic at the evolving situation. Aged just 19, Rory McColl shows exceptional maturity and insight in the role of Sam, performed with sly and sinister aggression.
The staging is ambitious to create the realism of the couple’s flat with kitchen- diner and then the police station. However, this involves lengthy and clumsy set changes, which unfortunately destroys the dramatic mood for a few moments. A simple set with table and chairs would suffice throughout with minimal movement.
Adapted from a short film, this is a most intuitive, well-constructed debut play by James Cumming, and the concept of cinematic framing of tight scenes is crisply directed on stage. With a puzzle of a plotline, well-defined characters and emotional tension performed in a speedy 50 minutes, it has all the ingredients of a prime-time TV crime drama, complete with a clever, cliff hanger ending.
Showtimes:
18–23 August 2025 @ 18:35
Ticket prices: £10.00 / Concessions £8.00
Age guidance: 14+
https://www.thespaceuk.com/shows/2025/intrusion