Description
Max stop for a second - now listen - I know this might come as a shock to you - but we're gonna be here for quite a while - I can't tell you how long...but this is going to get bad - very bad - for a long time - until it gets better again.
As the country begins locking down, Max finds himself hurtling down the motorway to a remote cabin in the woods with his ex-boyfriend Tom. As they hide away together, the oppressive monotony of it all sees old wounds resurface, particularly how Max left Tom for another man, Charlie.
While the virus begins its deadly attack on the outside world, seeming to mutate every day, Max grapples with his fears of isolation, of what might be outside, and how he's going to stay safe.
But after a secret visit from Charlie, Max begins to question who to trust. If Max is going to survive this, he must navigate his relationship with these two men, and more importantly himself, or face deadly consequences.
This edition was published to coincide with the production at the Old Red Lion Theatre in November 2025.
An Instinct is a queer horror/thriller about a cabin, a window and, most importantly, an axe.
About the Author
Hugo Timbrell is a queer, dyslexic, Bruntwood Prize-longlisted writer from London. He likes stories with great plots, interesting forms and things that make you laugh. His work focuses on presenting gripping stories with protagonists you wouldn't usually see heading them. His work has been developed and supported by organisations including Traverse Theatre, Bruntwood Prize, Selladoor, HighTide Theatre and the Arcola Theatre.
Book Information
ISBN 9781350606340
Author Hugo Timbrell
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Methuen Drama
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
