Gabriella Foley recently graduated from Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2023. Her debut play Flicker, in which she also stars, has been longlisted for the Victoria Wood Playwriting prize for comedy as well being described as ‘Funny, sad, serious, shapely and very particular and original!’ by West End playwright Bryony Lavery.
Ahead of Flicker coming to this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, we caught up with Foley to find out more about what they play is about.
Q&A with Gabriella Foley
What can you tell us about Flicker and its inspiration?
Flicker is a queer sex farce about OCD (which is what everyone wants their sex farces about really). I wanted to create a play which explored Pure OCD, a type of OCD characterised by obsessive intrusive thoughts. It’s a condition we don’t see much representation of in the media…and I guess I also just wanted to see more women kiss on stage.
You’re also performing in the show – was that always the intention?
Hell yes. I graduated drama school last year and am gagging to get back onstage, work with some amazing actors and the wonderful Zoë Templeman-Young. Also I want to do the kissing.
How does it feel to be taking the show to Edinburgh Fringe?
It’s really exciting and really terrifying at the same time but overall I’m just looking forward to sharing the play with a bigger audience!
How have you been preparing for the run?
I’ve been preparing for the run so far, by trying to raise funding but I’m excited to go into rehearsals next week and get into it properly. I’ve also been applying chapstick.
Is there anything you hope audiences take away from the play?
I want audiences to leave laughing but with a broader understanding of OCD and for the people who suffer from intrusive thoughts to feel safe, seen and less alone. And funnily enough, celebrate some women kissing.
Flicker is at Ace Dome, Pleasance Dome from 31 July to 26 August 2024
