Inspired by the lives of young people in the care system, Flock, created by Lin Coghlan, discusses challenges, resilience, and hope, all of which is held in abundance. Having devoted substantial preparation time to gaining an authentic perception of the experiences faced, the piece advocates for this pocket of society that, more often than not, wrongfully goes unheard.
Jennifer Daley plays Mrs Bosely and has kindly told us more about being part of the production.
What are you most proud of about being in the cast of Flock?
The play is a wonderful, touching piece of writing by Lin Coghlan, and has been shaped by people with lived experience of the care system. I’m proud that I get to be a part of something which represents - with complexity and compassion, the stories of people who are often misrepresented in society. The piece also has a fair amount of humour which I think brings a great balance to some of the more challenging themes.
Why is it important to amplify the voices of young people in the care system, and how can audiences keep the conversation going beyond the production?
It’s important to amplify these voices because historically society has stigmatised people in the care system, making their transition into early adulthood particularly difficult. The play isn’t verbatim, but it does use an amalgam of real stories collated through the 'Raising The Roof' programme in which young people got to share their own experiences and give feedback on the piece as it evolved. Having these authentic stories shared with the public engenders real agency for the people involved and those who have had similar experiences. It also has the potential to effect change in the way we view people within the care system.
There are links to further information on the piece via the 'Playing ON' website:
https://www.playingon.org.uk/productions/flock or via the QR code on the programme for anyone
attending the show.
How is this show unique in comparison to your past credits?
This is the first show I’ve been in that has had such a detailed, extensive research and development period. Lin and director Jim Pope have spent over three years shaping and workshopping the material alongside face-to-face and online contact with care-experienced people. I came on board earlier this year and have learned a great deal about the immense challenges that both the young people and staff must contend with in the current system.
What impact do your own experiences have on your portrayal?
I haven’t been in the care system myself, though as a mixed-race working-class kid growing up in the north of England in the 80’s, I can definitely relate to the sense of ‘not belonging’ and feeling like an outsider. I had very little in terms of financial resources - and for a long time I harboured a sense of shame about this. I know how impactful one’s formative family and social environment can be in developing self-esteem and healthy relationships. Grief and loss are also incredibly pertinent and personal themes to me, which helped me understand the piece as a whole.
How does having the leading characters as siblings influence the plot?
The two characters Robbie and Cel have experienced something common to young people in care- the issue of being separated, sometimes to different towns, miles apart. Without wanting to give too much away, we get to see how profoundly traumatic this can be and the psychological and physiological effects this can have on those who already may have a very fractured sense of ‘family’ - if any at all.
How are their hopes and dreams of a brighter future fully encapsulated in just 60 minutes?
Despite the challenging themes of the play, the characters are resilient, intelligent, complex and funny. Each character has their own aspirations and despite their respective obstacles, I think there are rays of potential in each narrative.
How is the well-being of all involved maintained when the topic discussed is often emotional?
We have sessions of something called ‘Reflective Practice’ in which we as a company get to work with a professional coach over several hours and discuss any issues that might come up for us. It’s the first time I have done this kind of practice, but it’s been really insightful; It helps us identify how to support ourselves and each other during the run. We also have daily check-ins where we say a little bit about how the process is going. Recently, in the run-up to the show opening, the prevalent theme has been ‘tired’ and ‘exhausted! But we’re all looking forward to it.
Although the show has now been running, I can imagine these are still some of the same feelings!
What does a future where young people in care are no longer misrepresented look like to you?
We should all have access and tools to pursue a fulfilling life and the social and psychological support with which to do so. I think it's important that society gain a deeper understanding of the challenges- but also the potential- of young people in the care system.
Thanks so much to Jennifer for a great insight into Flock - it has been wonderful to hear from you about highlighting such important stories on stage.
Get your tickets here:
 Additional thanks to Georgina Carter for coordinating this interview.
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