Review: 1:17 am, or Until the Words Run Out – Theatre503

Do we really know the people we love? This lingering thought resonates deeply after watching Zoe Hunter Gordon’s 70-minute two-hander, 1:17 am, or Until the Words Run Out.

In the aftermath of her brother Charlie’s death, Katie (Catherine Ashdown) is rifling through his flat in an attempt to wrestle with her grief. She is interrupted by the arrival of her estranged best friend, Roni (Eileen Duffy), from whom she’s distanced herself while wrestling with grief and reconciling Roni’s role in Charlie’s life.

The play watches them attempt to navigate deeply emotional terrain that falls in the wake of his death, and explores how they deal with the cascade of revelations that unfurl. It’s simple and unembellished, which is what makes it so brilliant, with writing and performances that are both raw and relatable. The play explores themes of grief, domestic violence, and class, all beautifully and subtly woven into the text.

Set entirely in Charlie’s old flat, events unfold in real time, devoid of disruptive jumps or flashbacks. The intimate staging, a small, confined space with a bed at its centre, surrounded by clothes, papers, and clutter, serves to heighten the tension. Director Sarah Stacey skilfully orchestrates the characters into uncomfortable confrontations that expose the complexities of their intertwined lives.

Charlie’s belongings ominously linger between them, a reminder of his presence and the chasm that has formed between these once close friends. The dialogue flows with ease and is incredibly nimble, with the blame passing between the pair throughout. It takes great skill to write two characters who feel so real, but Hunter Gordon does so with ease; you know them, you are them.

The piece is finely laced with comedic moments, breaking up the heartbreaking revelations with quick wit, in-jokes, and teeming with nostalgia as it navigates the joys of a once great friendship turned sour.

Ashdown’s performance as Katie is heartbreaking and beautifully nuanced; every moment feels meticulously crafted. She is matched perfectly with Duffy as Roni, whose stand-offish and blunt demeanour creates a captivating dynamic. The moments of suppressing emotions and tears make Duffy’s performance ever more special, as she grapples with the events of the past and their ongoing impact.

Raffaela Pancucci’s underscoring sound design enhances the claustrophobic atmosphere, with muffled drum and bass playing from upstairs, making Katie and her choices even more isolated.

The final few moments are heart-sinking; a moment of waiting for the inevitable end of the evening and possibly their relationship.

1:17 am, or Until the Words Run Out is a beautifully crafted 70-minute two-hander. Its humanity breaks your heart and makes you question your own relationship with the people you love.

Written by: Zoe Hunter Gordon
Directed & Dramaturg by: Sarah Stacey
Produced by: Rachel Thomas
Sound design by: Raffaela Pancucci
Lighting design by: Catja Hamilton
Set design consultant by: Anna Kelsey
Set & props assistant: Phoebe Hunter Gordon
Costume design by: Anouk Mondini

1:17 am, or Until the Words Run Out plays at Theatre503 until the Saturday 19 July.