Two Hours Before (After)

Our set of four half-hour plays explores the ideas of anticipating an event or going through the aftermath. We will perform the four exhilarating stories as four Acts, written by five of our playwrights.

Act One written by Ishmile Jalloh and Jenny McGrouther

When Alicia and Samantha’s paths cross again before attending the same audition, they both have similar interactions with a woman at the reception desk. The two try to stay focussed, but the confrontational nature of their shared experience puts them on edge. They are both trying to say why it put them off but can’t help to talk about anything else. ‘Passing Alley’ is a moment stuck in time where you are urged to face your grievances. Even if it’s the last thing you want to do.

Act Two written by Reece Marshall

What’s for dinner? Certainly not pizza. Act 2 of Two hours before shows the breakdown in communication between two people who love, or claim to love, each other. Both parties start out trying to placate one another, avoiding confrontation and failing miserably, but once pizza is on the way the gloves come off, and their insults, manipulation tactics and violent rhetoric leave you questioning if these two even like each other. Or better yet, what happened two hours before that could’ve started all this?

Act Three written by Isaac Cheung

Sarah and Antonio are revolutionaries, part of a bigger movement for - the cause. Their young blood drives them to do the extreme, whatever it takes to bring what they believe is good for their fellow countrymen. Dreams of making a difference through action and sacrifice are quickly shattered, when things don’t go to plan. Perhaps their love for one another isn’t really as important as they once believed.

Act Four written by Lucy Wall

Two hours of awkward silences, vulnerability, football rivalries and very weird jokes all packed into 30 minutes. A funny and heartfelt play that follows Louise, Harry and Aaron and their wait to find out who’s the father of Louise’s baby.