I had the pleasure of seeing the recent production of 1.17am, Or Until the Words Run Out staged at the Finborough Theatre Thursday night.

Zoe Hunter Gordon’s text, directed astutely by Sarah Stacey – tackles the relationship of two not quite yet estranged friends Katie (Catherine Ashdown) and Roni (Eileen Duffy) when the latter confronts her grieving friend in Katie’s late brother’s bedroom as she packs away his things. 

The design elements, particularly the set – a white backdrop with a messy double bed, bedding and various items laid askew, not dissimilar to the Tracey Emin piece, immediately established the tone of the piece I was about to watch, real, natural, and at times uncomfortably so. 

Both actors really hit a home run with their performances – Ashdown and Duffy both are incredibly relatable and sympathetic, and also flawed and even dislikeable at times.  Ashdown’s grief is as palpable as the unawarness only the very privileged can afford to have – I’ve met and known far too many Katie’s. Comparably, Duffy brings wonderful guarded vulnerability as well as being both grounded and intense in her defensive moments, and without wanting to spoil, Roni’s “reveal” towards the end of the piece was handled with such care, played with a great realism and weight. The two have excellent chemistry, and feel like genuine best friends. 

Overall, this is a thought provoking and exciting piece, testament to Zoe Hunter Gordon’s compelling words, and I’m very excited to see the journey this play, and all involved, takes. 

Review by Kyanna Cronshaw

1.17am or Until The Words Run Out is on at Finborough Theatre until 7th March. You can find out more or book tickets here.

If you like this review you might also like my review of Hunger Games on Stage, My Neighbour Totoro and Witness for the Prosecution.