Flicker blazes a trail for authentic OCD representation onstage.
Presented by HFH Productions and Bethany Cooper Productions, Flicker is a searing, slapstick portrayal of one woman’s relentless struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Written by Gabriella Foley and directed by Zoë Templeman-Young, this lively, thought-provoking show invites the audience deep into the discomfort, self-hatred, and frustration of living with OCD.
The modern-day sex farce opens with the protagonist, Jo (played by Foley herself), enduring an embarrassingly awkward sexual encounter with a man she met online, George (expertly portrayed by Kasper Hilton-Hill). From the moment the lights rise on the cramped apartment set, we’re immersed in the claustrophobic reality of Jo’s world – a Gen-Z nightmare brought to life, where the characters constantly collide, desperately seeking pockets of peace and privacy that forever elude them.
Foley’s performance is a revelation, channeling the neurotic, anxious energy of Fleabag while baring the raw, unvarnished truth of her character’s intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Through Jo’s brutally honest asides, we’re granted shocking access to the disturbing, terrifying landscape of her OCD mind. Initially charmed by her quirky mannerisms, we soon find ourselves as fatigued as Jo, worn down by the relentless barrage of disgusting ideas that infiltrate her psyche without her consent.
The show’s unflinching depiction of how OCD can devastate lives and relationships is both uncomfortable and essential. Even Jo’s well-intentioned friend, Anna (eloquently played by Olivia Michi Shrenzel), perpetuates the judgment and stigma that so many OCD sufferers face, even from their loved ones. And when the narrative ventures into the taboo territory of pedophilia-themed obsessions, the creative team of Flicker demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the disorder, making it clear that these thoughts are a manifestation of illness, not moral failing.
The production elements heighten the emotional impact, with Beth Lewis’ evocative sound design ratcheting up the tension during the manic, high-energy scenes. And Beth Gupwell’s lighting design achieves a particularly striking moment when Jo opens up to Anna about her innermost turmoil, the stage bathed in heavenly, sky-like visuals that convey the profound relief of being truly seen and understood.
Flawlessly executed, with seamless interjections from Foley, stellar intimacy direction by Abigail Kessel, and evocative sound and lighting design, Flicker is a bold, unapologetic work that refuses to shy away from the messy, excruciating reality of OCD. In doing so, it provides a liberating platform for the oft-overlooked voices of those living with this debilitating condition, sparking vital conversations that have been too long delayed.