Lin Coghlan’s stunning insight into the care experience
Inspired by the resilience of young people in the care system, this beautifully written new play by multi award-winning writer Lin Coghlan (The Forsyte Saga Parts 1&2, Park Theatre; The Table, Cardboard Citizens) will tour across the country to Oxford, Derby, Bath and Salford with a 4 week run at the Soho Theatre in October.
Through extensive research and workshopping, the show has been shaped by those with lived experiences of growing up in care to create a multi-layered story. Those who have experienced care have been historically underrepresented, and misrepresented, in the nation's cultural output. Flock explores the people behind the systems, the moments of joy, and the complexities of belonging. Touching, provoking and beautifully written, Lin Coghlan has crafted a play, which challenges the shocking way we treat the vulnerable in our society with empathy, humour and truth (Tanika Gupta).
Flock is brought to the stage by actors who have had direct experience of the issues in care themselves. Starring Jamie Ankrah (Jesus Christ Superstar, Young Actors Theatre; Small Island, National Theatre), as Robbie, a young man about to turn eighteen and leave Care, Ankrah comments, I have had social workers all my childhood - it has shaped who I am. Gabriella Leonardi (The Art of a Damaged Soul) plays Cel, his older sister and Jennifer Daley (Tapped, Theatre503; Bashment, winner of British Independent Film Festival’s Best Supporting Actress award) who plays Robbie’s caring and sometimes unconventional Social Worker. Deshaye Gayle (Sex With Robots And Other Devices, King’s Head Theatre; The Incident, Arcola; #The Words Are Coming, Theatre 503) plays his defiant loyal friend.
Flock follows two siblings growing up in care; Robbie wants nothing more than to be a grown up and live with his sister Cel. She wants to go to university and find the kind of love her mother never had. They both want to be free from the care system. Director Jim Pope comments, Lin Coghlan's script, celebrated for its empathy and magical realism, makes Flock a beacon of truth in the portrayal of underserved communities. Coghlan presents an honest, moving, and inspirational take on the ability of young people to survive against all the odds.
Presented by Playing ON Theatre Company, creating a world where communities are better understood, Flock shines a light on the intricacies of providing safety from unimaginable situations and the community of voices which you must comprehend as a young person in an adult world. It is a show about moving forward, moving on and moving through memories – it is carrying a system with you which you didn’t necessarily asked to be a part of.
Flock: 8th October – 2nd November 2024
Venue: Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE
Running Time: 60 minutes; Age guidance 14+
Tickets from: £13.00 Flock – Soho Theatre