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Dave Florez shares the inspiration and hopes behind The Gift
Step into the world of The Gift, a darkly comedic and thought-provoking new play by acclaimed playwright Dave Florez, premiering at Park Theatre from 22nd January to 1st March. This fast-paced three-hander takes audiences on a whirlwind journey into paranoia, friendship, and self-discovery, all triggered by the mystery of an anonymous package.
Starring Nicholas Burns, Laura Haddock and Alex Price, with direction by Adam Meggido, The Gift explores the complex web of human connection, the weight of past regrets, and the relentless chatter of self-doubt. With its blend of sharp humour and poignant insights, Florez’s latest work promises to leave audiences both laughing out loud and reflecting deeply on their own relationships and anxieties.
A warm ET welcome to you
I’m Dave Florez, the playwright of The Gift for PostScript Productions.
So where will we find The Gift then?
The Gift is playing at Park Theatre from 22nd January to 1st March. For me, there’s no venue quite like it. It combines the intimacy and grandeur of the Donmar Warehouse with the buzz and excitement of an Off-Broadway theatre.
What can audiences expect?
A whirlwind, fast-paced three-hander about a middle-aged man spiraling into paranoia, doubt, and self-recrimination. The mystery of who sent the package – and why – drives the plot. Plus, there’s laughter; even after just four days of rehearsals, I can confidently say the humor is guaranteed.
What was the inspiration behind the show?
It started as one of those “What would YOU do?” ideas. Over time, I’ve become more anxious, with that creeping sense of dread often called “3 a.m. paranoia.” For me, it happens all day.
I wanted to write a three-hander in real-time (more or less) that captures the escalating hysteria of self-persecution and the mystery of an anonymous package. I also wanted to create a uniquely live experience where the audience feels swept along with the accusations and doubts, all while asking themselves: How would I react if I received a gift like this?
At its core, the play is about friendship. There’s talk of a loneliness epidemic in the UK, especially among middle-aged men, and I wanted to address that. Beneath the humor, there’s a tender, quiet cry that says: You are not alone. I hope audiences leave buzzing, laughed-out, and strangely optimistic—a little less alone.
How long have you been working on this play?
A few years, on and off. It’s had some development and a few readings, but it’s still evolving and will continue to do so with input from the creative team and cast until opening night.
Is the version coming to Park Theatre how you originally envisioned it?
The play has gone through many iterations. Those detours and dead ends were essential to finding the right track. While it’s kept the essence of the first draft, each rewrite has allowed me to dig deeper into the story and its characters.
Who do you imagine enjoying the show the most?
This play is for people with an irreverent sense of humor – those who enjoy laughing at themselves and the absurdities of life. It tackles the minutiae of everyday irritations and bigger, universal questions about the past, the future, and the struggles within ourselves. If you like laughing at life’s chaos (and maybe pondering digestive biscuits), this is for you.
Is this the show’s first time on stage?
Yes, it’s the world premiere. I couldn’t be more thrilled, especially with this incredible cast – Nicholas Burns, Laura Haddock, and Alex Price – and the talented Adam directing. If you’d told me when I started writing that this would be the debut lineup, I’d have bitten your hand off.
Will you be frequenting the bar after the show?
Absolutely. I’d love to hear how audiences would react to receiving such an anonymous gift. Would they behave like Colin, or worse? I’m curious to know what the box means to them, whether they’d send a similar gift, and what they think its contents symbolize.
What do you hope the audience takes away with them?
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 – quieting that interior monologue of doubt and becoming a friend to themselves.
How does the show’s message resonate with current societal issues?
Mental health challenges, anxiety, and depression are increasingly prevalent. I hope The Gift addresses these issues in a palatable, funny way while offering a path to resilience. For some, receiving a box like this might feel like imprisonment; for others, it might set them free.
Thank you to Dave Florez for talking to us. The Gift plays at Park Theatre, running from 22nd January until 1st March. Further information and bookings are available here.
