What begins as a heated argument with absolute confidence about who’s at fault, keeps flipping in Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, a story that keeps you guessing right to the end.

When mother Di finds out her son Jack has been beaten up, she’s naturally concerned for her son’s wellbeing. But as she learns of an explicit video that’s ended up online, it seems her ‘boy’ isn’t as innocent as she first thought.

Emma Dalton, as mother Di, holds focus throughout, taking the audience on an emotional juggernaut from paranoia to panic, menacing and explosive. On stage for the entire 90 minutes, she becomes the detective, digging deeper and deeper as both parents struggle to make sense of what’s happening. She’s perfectly paired with James Smithers (husband David) who is sardonic, fierce and fumbles awkwardly as the protective father.

Supporting character, ex-girlfriend Cara (Kira McLennan), might not be on stage long, but she blazes when she is. Bold as brass, her tough exterior might be an act, but she’s smart enough to know she won’t be believed against a privileged boy like Jack. The scene when she dresses down Di was an incredible example of forced accountability. Likewise for Nicholas McGrory as Jack’s friend Nick shakes and bounces uncomfortably as Di interrogates him, determined to uncover an alternative to the image that’s building of her dear son.

Brilliantly directed by Jane Angharad, the play balances tension with sharp comedic moments. With no staging or props, lighting designer Clare Sheridan and audio-visual Designer Kieran Camejo cleverly create moments of respite by projecting the characters’ shadows and silhouettes onto background screens. The performers move within a large, white, brightly lit square that places more emphasis on the script .

Written by British playwright James Fritz, Four Minutes Twelve Seconds is an exploration of power dynamics and shifting alliances. This isn’t a simple case of who wears the pants, but a study of complex relationships full of deals, offers, bargaining and emotional blackmail.

As Angharad notes, “I hope the audience leaves the theatre feeling thrilled by an excellent story but also having important conversations about the consequences of misogyny, about privilege and who gets to be heard, about teaching young people right from wrong, and about our dangerous addiction to screens.”

A must-see play for parents navigating with their children’s digital lives and the line between protection and control. It’s a thought-provoking drama that has you questioning your own morals. Expect goosebumps, shock and more than a few “oh my gods”, from the audience.

4 stars

Run time: The performance runs for 90 minutes (no interval).

Crying Chair Theatre in association with Secret House presents Four Minutes Twelve Seconds . Playing at Flight Path Theatre (Marrickville, Sydney) until 1 November 2025. 

Recommended for 15+, Four Minutes Twelve Seconds contains strong language, references to physical and sexual violence and cyberbullying.

For tickets visit Flight Path Theatre