Flock

by Lin Coghlan

directed by Jim Pope 

presented by  PlayingON

Flock originally toured nationally, including a four-week run at the Soho Theatre. Now it’s coming home to Lewisham.

Robbie is 17. His sister Cel is 20. They’ve grown up in and out of the care system, different placements, different addresses, always finding their way back to each other. Cel wants to go to university. Robbie wants them to finally live together in one place. Neither of those things seems too much to ask.

What follows is Robbie’s journey back through every place he’s lived, every moment they shared, every argument and tender exchange, trying to understand how they got here, and whether any of it was his fault.

Lin Coghlan’s play is a portrait of grief, love and resilience told through the eyes of a young man who sees the world through the behaviour of birds: free, loyal, and pecking the shit out of each other. It is sad, funny, honest and, in the end, full of hope.

Flock is set in Lewisham, rooted in Lewisham, and made with and for the people of Lewisham. There are 461 children in the borough without a family home. This play is not about statistics. It’s about what that actually feels like.

This production is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Press for this production

‘an extraordinary piece of theatre’ ★★★★★ A Young(ish) Perspective

‘The strength of Flock lies in its extraordinary writing. Nuanced and taut, it unflinchingly revels the devastating effect on the well-being and prospects of young people in the care system…

Writer Coghlan spent significant time engaging with young adults who have spent time in the care system in order to research for this project.  Her care and attention in striving to offer an accurate and truthful account of their experiences shows. The result is poignant and sensitive.’ ★★★★ Everything Theatre

‘not to be missed.’ ★★★★ Reviewsgate  

‘Flock is a tender and heartbreaking story about two siblings in the care system… well worth a watch, and will definitely make you think.★★★★ Adventures in Theatre Land

Coghlan presents an honest, moving, and inspirational take on the ability of young people to survive against the odds, and lets the play illuminate the intricacies of providing safety from unimaginable situations, and what life in, and after, care can be like.’  Theatre Reviews North   

Flock gives a voice to young people that often don’t have one, and highlights the struggles that those in the care system experience into adolescence and beyond.’  Flo London

Tuesday 29 September – Saturday 3 October 2026  at 7.30 pm
Saturday 3 October matinee at 3.00pm
No performances: Sundays and Mondays

Tickets: £17, £15 conc; suitable for 14+.

Online: Click here
There is no charge for online bookings.

Phone: 0333 666 3366
Telephone reservations have a £1.80 booking fee.

Our concessionary price tickets are for: full-time students, over 65s, registered unwaged, under 18s and Equity Members. Please bring proof of status.

Running time: Seventy minutes, with no interval

Content advice:  please note this production contains strong language, loud music, flashing lights and explores care experience, death, grief, complex family relationships, and mentions of abuse, substance use, mental illness, and encounters with the police, violence. 14+.

Flock

Written by Lin Coghlan

Directed by Jim Pope

Set and Costume Designer: Sophie Jump 

Lighting Designer:  Alex Wardle

Sound Designer: Jules Maxwell

Producer: Chris Elwell

Executive Producer: Rhian Davies

Programme Manager, Education: Nina Graveney-Edwards

Presented by PlayingON

Robbie: Joseph Clarke

Cel: Tabitha Detroit

Miko: Romeo Mika

Mrs Bosely: Alice Selwyn

The box office on-site opens at 7.15 pm for the checking-in of pre-booked tickets, to seat you early and to minimise queues. Please arrive in good time to be seated for the 7.30 pm start.

LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED

Food and drinks are served at the Brockley Jack pub. If you wish to book a table, please visit their website

There is strictly no photography or recording of any kind permitted in the theatre.

For more details on travelling to the venue and accessibility please see our Your Visit page

 

 

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