The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is known for showcasing some of the most innovative and thought-provoking performances, and this year is no exception. Among the standout productions is ‘Flicker’, a queer farce written by and starring the talented Gabriella Foley. Presented by HFH Productions and Bethany Cooper Productions, ‘Flicker’ runs at the Pleasance Dome from July 31 to August 26.
Gabriella Foley, a recent graduate from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, has already made waves in the theatre world. She was shortlisted for the Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize for comedy, and her debut play ‘Flicker’ is a testament to her creative prowess and dedication to addressing important issues.
‘Flicker’ is a modern-day sex farce that delves into the complexities of Pure OCD, a type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder characterised by intrusive thoughts that are difficult to control or dismiss. The play was developed in consultation with OCD UK, ensuring an authentic and sensitive portrayal of the condition.
In a recent interview on Queerly’s stage and screen podcast, Gabriella shared her inspiration for writing ‘Flicker’… “I wanted to write a play about Pure OCD, which is a type of OCD we don’t hear much about in the media,” she explained. “I think OCD normally gets stereotyped into more cleaning-based OCD, and I just wanted to broaden the landscape and the conversations around OCD.”
Gabriella’s passion for shedding light on Pure OCD is evident in her writing and performance. She portrays Jo, a character grappling with intrusive thoughts and the challenges of being queer. The play’s premise is both humorous and poignant, as Jo navigates a series of chaotic events while trying to hide her intrusive thoughts from her partner, Anna.
“Pure OCD is characterized by lots of intrusive thoughts that you can’t control and that you can’t dismiss in the way that most people can dismiss those thoughts,” Gabriella explained. “They can be really horrible and really disgusting and really opposite to what you believe, which is so incredibly uncomfortable and not fun at all.”
Despite the serious subject matter, ‘Flicker’ is infused with humour and heart. Gabriella’s ability to balance comedy with a deeper message is a testament to her talent as a playwright and performer. The play’s director, Zoë Templeman-Young, and sound designer, Beth Lewis, complete the creative team, bringing Gabriella’s vision to life on stage.
Gabriella’s journey to the Edinburgh Fringe has been marked by the support and kindness of fellow actors, directors, and writers. “Without those people kind of giving to the people below them, I don’t think anyone can start a career,” she said. “It’s so invaluable.”
For those considering attending ‘Flicker’ at the Fringe, Gabriella has a message: “I’d say definitely come start your day off with a bang, literally, and just be prepared to laugh but also be prepared to maybe have a think about what your stereotypes or understandings of OCD are and how maybe this affects a lot more people than you think.”
As ‘Flicker’ continues its run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, audiences are sure to be captivated by Gabriella Foley’s inspiring and uplifting performance. Her dedication to raising awareness about Pure OCD and her ability to infuse humor into serious topics make her a rising star in the theatre world.
Don’t miss the chance to see ‘Flicker’ at the Pleasance Dome until August 26. Gabriella Foley’s debut play is a must-see, offering a unique blend of comedy, heart, and thought-provoking content that will leave audiences both entertained and enlightened. Book your tickets here. Listen to Gabriella’s full interview on Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast below: