The Small Hours

The Small Hours is a very well constructed thriller by Francis Durbridge. Perhaps more familiar to British audiences, where his television series ran from the 1950s through to the 1980s, Durbridge wrote novels, radio and TV thrillers as well as plays. The Small Hours, first performed in 1991, was the penultimate work published in his lifetime, and has a strong Australian connection.

Opening on a flight returning to Heathrow from Australia (on a well constructed micro-set), the journey of Carl Houston (Tim Riessen) is suddenly interrupted by the captain’s announcement that the plane has been hijacked. We learn that Houston becomes a hero,dragging fellow passenger Ronnie Sheldon (Stephen Anderson) to safety. 

Returning home to the boutique hotel he owns in Chichester, we find that Carl has been unwittingly entangled in an international crime and not only is he suspected of being a large scale criminal, but his life is in danger - but from whom, and can he stop it?

A hard working cast have pulled together over what has set records as the longest rehearsal period in Stirling Players’ history - this being another COVID interrupted production. Characters include Carl’s wife Vanessa (Jenni Glassford in some lovely outfits), hotel chef Bernard (Greg Hopson), powerful businesswoman Olivia Radford (Julie Holmshaw) and Detective George Westford (a very serious Paul Anderson). Lia Przymenska makes only her second stage appearance as Millie Decker, with an impressive stage debut from Helen O’Sullivan as hotel secretary Ruth Wyatt.

A very well constructed box set grounds us in reality and the time setting has been recreated fairly convincingly to the present time (or perhaps an alternate 2020 where easy air travel is possible). Lighting and sound were appropriate and well-timed and scene changes relatively fast and efficient.

This well written mystery keeps the audience engaged, but greater pace and stronger performances in some roles, would have helped this show reach its full potential.

Well worth a look for lovers of a good mystery and some unexpected twists.

Kimberley Shaw