Get to know the writers behind the commissions at Fresh Ink 2026 with our series of Q&As. Today is the turn of Noor Sobka, whose play Colonel Gaddaddy follows a young girl whose life is turned upside down when a dictator turns up on her doorstep.

Why did you want to tell this story?

I have been obsessed with Gaddafi and dictators in general for the past year, so I guess the natural progression was to write a piece for a Hull theatre festival. The themes of the story are particularly important, given that financial hardship and fascism are ravaging the world.

How has this writing process been for you?

I have felt so supported and championed by Middle Child. They are a phenomenal organisation. Matthew May the literary manager has been an incredible mentor and dramaturg throughout the process.

Tell us about your set-up when you’re writing?

Alexa (not sponsored) blasting, back arched, prehistoric laptop overheating and constantly trying to get comfortable but never succeeding.

Were any of your characters influenced by real life people?

Colonel Gaddaddy? No? 😉

How do you feel about your characters?

Disagree with them? I’m not going to say I love a genocidal dictator character…

Do your characters do or say anything that really resonates with you?

I think weird situations/people do gravitate towards me, so I resonate with Amira in that respect. Poor girl.

Who would play one of your characters in the film version?

Allison Hammond. Next question.

If your play has had a life before now, how has it developed? And if not, how would you like to see it developed in the future?

I want the full piece to be seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

What are you most looking forward to during rehearsals and the performances?

Seeing the piece come to life, the wonderful performers’ interpretations of the characters and the audience reception.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying for Fresh Ink 2026?

Apply yesterday!

Noor’s 30-minute piece Colonel Gaddaddy will be performed on Saturday 19 July at 3.00pm and Sunday at 4.30pm, alongside an extract of Isabelle by Marc Graham.

Q&A with Noor Sobka