Soho Theatre
Playing until 2nd November 2024
Photo credit: Lucy Hayes
Review {AD-PR Gifted}
Taking a retrospective look at the events leading up to the events we see at the start of story, Flock is centred around two main characters, Robbie (Jamie Ankrah) and his sister Cel (Gabriella Leonardi), who have been separated and looked after by different foster carers as they navigate the care system. They are supported by two other major characters, Miko (Deshaye Gayle) and Mrs Bosely (Jennifer Daley), Robbie’s best friend and social case worker, respectively. Together, the ensemble tells a story of those in the care system, their frustration and desire to escape from it.
The story is grounded and given the situation the characters find themselves in, their behaviours are understandable and relatable. There is a reasonable amount of time jumps, both forward and backward, to build the relationship between the characters. Although these are not impossible to navigate, they are disorienting at first as the audiences try to find the anchor of the story.
Having been separated at a young age following a period of negligence by their mother, Cel has grown up to be independent and having adopted a motherly figure from a young age, she feels the need to look out for her young brother long after their separation. However, she also yearns for freedom and a different life. Without spoiling too much, perhaps it is this desire that leads her down the path she would eventually take. Robbie on the other hand, is foul mouthed, and perceives the world in a simplistic way and as Cel puts it, in no uncertain terms, that he will do anything for attention, a trait which might have been developed through his experience by neglecting carers. Despite this, Robbie is also constantly pushing people away when they try to reach out.
Leonardi and Ankrah capture the essence of the bond between siblings. Having shared the same traumatic upbringing, they rely on each other for the things that weren’t given by their parents or carers. The two characters share many memories from their childhood and also glimpses into the things they sneak out to do after they were separated. However, Cel is fully aware of the limitations of the care system. Now, as an adult, she does not trust the system and the promises it makes. But for Robbie, who is still underage, he hopes getting his own place once he is eighteen from the council. As the narrative progresses, the optimism wanes, and he pushes Mrs Bosely away despite her efforts and assurances. Who could blame him though, from what the audience is able to see, Mrs Bosely only showed up every now and then to give him some pocket money, instructions and empty promises.
Playing the role of Mrs Bosely, Daley has full command of her character, delicately tiptoeing the emotions of a social care worker trying her best for the people she works with and her lack of power to make significant changes for them among her own personal challenges. The experience of Daley as an actor is particularly prominent and undeniable in this production, providing valuable support to the young actors of the show.
Flock is nuanced and portrays a sense of authenticity, leading the audience members to grasp the problems of the social system and some of the reasons why the people that have gone through that behave the way they do. While some aspire to escape from this and strive for a better future, some simply become lost in the swirling vortex that traps them in that same mentality long after they have grown up.
Creatives
Playwright: Lin Coghlan
Director: Jim Pope
Set and Costume Designer: Sandra Falase
Composer: Jules Maxwell
Lighting Designer: Ian Scott
Producer: Rhian Davies
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