Thirteen years ago, a young woman named Abigail Thorn faced a blank wall, a camera, and a question: “I think, therefore I am.” That simple video, a four-and-a-half-minute exploration of Descartes, launched a YouTube channel – Philosophy Tube – that would eventually amass 1.6 million followers, captivated by her ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging.
But Abigail’s journey took an unexpected turn, leading her from philosophical discourse to the worlds of high fantasy and science fiction. She’s now a commanding presence inHouse of the Dragonand a member of a powerful coven inThe Acolyte, captivating audiences in entirely new ways.
Her portrayal of Sharako Lohar inHouse of the Dragon, a fearless warrior with a bold personality, quickly resonated with viewers. Introduced late in the second season, Sharako’s memorable – and humorous – proposition to Tyland Lannister instantly went viral, cementing her status as a fan favorite.
“I was really pleasantly surprised by the reception,” Abigail recalls. “TheHouse of the Dragonfans are wonderful. Knowing my time with Sharako was limited, I decided to fully embrace the character, to really swing for the fences.” She relished the opportunity to play someone so different from the typical characters in the series, a breath of fresh air in a world of battle and bloodshed.
The line, of course, became iconic. Abigail laughs, recounting the first time a fan requested she write it on their copy ofFire and Blood. “I was like, ‘Yes! I want you to fk my wives!’” she says, playfully. She’s even been known to deliver the line directly to those who are unsure where they recognize her, a mischievous test of their fandom.
Beyond the thrill of reciting memorable lines, Abigail found a deeper satisfaction in embodying a powerful female character. “Playing an action star is an absolute dream come true,” she states, proudly displaying the results of months of stunt training. She’s determined to continue down this path, inspired by icons like Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hamilton.
Currently, she’s unable to confirm her return for a third season ofHouse of the Dragon, but she spent last summer preparing for a “Big Unnamed Action Project,” transforming her physique and honing her skills. She’s eager to embrace roles that demand physical strength and offer the kind of representation she’s long sought for women in action films.
However, her next project represents a dramatic shift in scale and tone.Blink, a two-person play debuting at the King’s Head Theatre in London, is a deeply intimate exploration of isolation, loneliness, and the human need for connection. It’s a return to her roots, reminiscent of the simple, direct communication that defined the early days of Philosophy Tube.
While Philosophy Tube has evolved with increased production value, its core remains the same: a direct connection with the audience. Abigail’s initial videos, filmed alone in front of a bookshelf, were born from a desire to share ideas and foster genuine engagement.Blinkembodies that same spirit, stripped down and focused on the raw emotions of its characters.
InBlink, Abigail plays Sophie, a young woman grappling with grief and loneliness after the death of her father. She finds an unlikely connection with her neighbor, Jonah, through the use of a baby monitor. The play delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the ways we seek connection in an increasingly digital world.
“Sophie is very different from Sharako,” Abigail explains. “Sharako jumps in with both feet, ready to fight. Sophie is wounded, sad, and doesn’t hide it.” She’s fascinated by the challenge of portraying someone so vulnerable and unseen, especially given her own stature and visibility.
The play’s prescience is striking, written in 2009 before terms like “parasocial relationship” entered the common lexicon. It anticipates the rise of platforms like Twitch and the phenomenon of watching others play video games, a form of entertainment that has since become dominant. Abigail notes the irony of viewers watching a meticulously crafted show likeHouse of the Dragonon tiny phone screens, longing for the immersive experience of a larger screen.
Blinkdoesn’t attempt to recreate the internet visually; instead, it focuses on the emotional landscape of digital connection. “It puts the internet on stage in a fantastic way, without really meaning to,” Abigail says. “It’s easier to talk to a camera than with a human being, and that’s exactly what Sophie experiences. She desperately wants to be seen.”
Blinkruns at King’s Head Theatre, London from February 19th to March 22nd. It’s a chance to witness Abigail Thorn’s remarkable range, a testament to her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level, whether she’s wielding a sword or simply seeking a voice on the other end of a baby monitor.
