
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.
Production shots by Lucy Hayes
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
Creative Team
Flock
Writer: Lin Coghlan
Director: Jim Pope
Set and Costume Designer: Sophie Jump
Lighting Designer: Alex Wardle
Sound Designer: Jules Maxwell
Design Assistant: Amelia Kyriacou
Production Manager and Technical Stage Manager: Brent Tan
Assistant Stage Manager: Isabella Caseley
Poster Design: Nancy Ellis
Producer: Chris Elwell
Executive Producer: Rhian Davies
Programme Manager – Education: Nina Graveney-Edwards
Presented by PlayingON
Cast
Robbie: Joseph Clarke
Cel: Tabitha Detroit
Miko: Romeo Mika
Mrs Bosely: Alice Selwyn





















