When Colin receives an anonymous package, he is bemused and appalled by what he finds inside.
He should just ignore it… But who would send him such a thing – and why did they put it in a cake box?
He should just ignore it… But who would send him such a thing – and why did they put it in a cake box?
Colin really isn’t built for this sort of scrutiny, and soon he is turning over everything he might have ever done wrong in his life. It falls upon his sister Lisa and her husband Brian to try to save Colin from his own existential angst, but as his list of possible suspects keeps getting longer he finds himself more determined than ever to unmask the culprit.
The Gift is an irreverent comedy that unashamedly dives into the murky waters of past transgressions, modern-day vengeance, and hilariously unchecked paranoia. Because what should you do when someone tries to seriously upset your applecart in such a disgusting way? Should you take it in your stride? See the funny side? Or rest at nothing until the perpetrator is found and made to pay?
Ahead of a run at Park Theatre we sat down with writer Dave Florez to learn more.
What can you please tell me about The Gift?
When Colin receives an unexpected delivery from his local patisserie – it turns out to be very much not a cake. Spiralling down the rabbit hole of paranoia, it’s up to his sister and best mate to save him from the abyss. But who did send him this – and why? And is it ever a good idea to disturb the past?
I don’t know about you, but the older I’ve got, the more anxious I’ve become… I wanted to write a three-hander that not only tackled the mystery of an anonymous package, but that also dissected the inevitable self-persecution one would go through from being such a recipient. For me, theatre is all about the liveness and immediacy of the experience – I want the audience to ask themselves: How would I react if I received a gift like this? But also I wanted to write a play about friendship and forgiveness. And about being kind to yourself; finally being able to switch off that constant interior monologue of doubt and self-recrimination.
What was the writing and development period like for this piece?
It was a good few years, on and off. It started life as a one act play that was showcased as part of the Criterion New Writing programme – and I very much hope it comes full circle to find a home in the West End. It was then taken on by Andrew, the producer, who helped me beat it into shape and attract the type of cast and team that would make it sing. In fact, as with most new plays, it’s still evolving; and will continue to do so with input from the creative team and cast until opening night.
What cake would we find in your own box from your favourite patisserie?
I’ve always been partial to a Rum baba, or maybe even a pistachio macaron, with some profiteroles on the side. Probably best you don’t get me started on pastries…
Where did your arts career begin?
I trained at Lamda as an actor while also being part of the Royal Court Young Writers’ Programme. Then I went on to write and perform in one-man shows up at Edinburgh Festival, while also writing and producing plays on the London fringe.
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| Dave Florez |
How do you reflect on your career to date?
It’s been a journey, put it that way. I’m not sure writers have ‘careers’ as such – even the big boys and girls. It’s an unsteady stream of occasional hits and misses, as you continue to inch that boulder up the hill, against all the odds…
Over time, I guess you write more about the things that matter to you. You allow your ideas to jostle for attention in the back of your mind – and the ones that stand the test of time are the ones you end up writing, or you’ll go insane. So I guess it’s a kind of therapy. You get these characters and stories and ideas out of your system.
Chancing upon a random film or play that makes you fall in love with the medium all over again. Going to an art exhibition that compels you to rediscover your curiosity, or make you see things in a different way. Watching Stevenage FC kick Villa out of the FA Cup. Profiteroles.
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
Tracey Letts’ ‘Killer Joe’ at the Bush. I was in my early teens. I remember that feeling that at any minute, anything could happen… It was theatrical dynamite.
What do you want an audience member to feel after they've seen The Gift?
I hope they leave uplifted and drained (in a good way). I want them to learn from Colin’s mistakes and join him on a better path forward – quieting that interior monologue of doubt and becoming a friend to themselves. Ultimately, I hope audiences leave buzzing, laughed-out, and strangely optimistic – a little less alone.
Where can readers see The Gift?
It will be on at the Park Theatre from Wed Jan 22nd – Sat 1st March 2025. Come along, and catch me in the bar after for a drink (and a pastry)!
Tickets are available from https://parktheatre.co.uk/event/the-gift/
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