We caught up with Deshaye Gayle who is part of the cast of multi award-winning writer Lin Coghlan’s new show Flock, coming to Soho Theatre from 8th October to 2nd November.

Tell us about Flock and what audiences can expect from the show? 

Flock is about people within the care system and their relationships with one another as they grow older. They can expect a funny, emotional & fresh new story on what it might be like for someone in the care system. 

As the piece has been influenced by workshops and direct experiences from within the Care System, what has it been like developing the production on stage? 

This isn’t my first time doing a play based on the care system, so I have found similarities with the one I had previously done. There’s always an artistic want from the people involved to create an authentic story; one that can be shared universally. 

Why do you think it’s important that narratives like the ones you’re bringing to life are given a spotlight? 

The Care system is a topic that is not usually talked about enough. We’ve had shows like Tracy Beaker and to my ignorance that’s the only reference I have in terms of the media and Care. The more we can look into topics such as this, the more others can find out about it and grow a sense of compassion within communities such as this one. 

How have you related to your character and drawn on or found similarities in the process? 

Being from Lewisham, where the story is set, I can identify with loads of these characters as I feel I have certain attributes that relate to them, even my friends have certain personality traits of all the characters in the play. I’m a true believer that the place you grew up in can give you a certain energy and I feel like all of these characters manifest these energies. Miko has that South East cheeky charm to him that I can definitely associate myself with. 

Without giving away too much, what do you hope for these characters and those who relate to them?

I hope they can find peace.