DNA by Dennis Kelly
performed by Triple Helix Productions
at The Dixon Studio, The Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
12th September 2015 - 4pm and 8pm
performed by Triple Helix Productions
at The Dixon Studio, The Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
12th September 2015 - 4pm and 8pm
Triple Helix is a brand new production company formed by three friends (hence the Triple), Sam Thomas, 17, Joshua Picton, 18, and Harry Neal, 19.
All three have belonged individually to various drama groups in Southend, including Nineteen12, JADA and The Palace Youth Theatre as well as performing with their school and college drama groups. However, they found themselves thrown together as part of the cast of 1912’s The Witches earlier this year and it was after getting to know each other in this production that they realised they all had a common desire - to form a production company of their own; one that would put on more grittier and hard hitting plays that would really pack a punch to its audiences. They also specifically wanted to target a playing cast of ages between 16 and 19 years old as they believe that this is an age group that has garnered so much talent within the Southend area; and with so many play opportunities for teenagers, Triple Helix felt this was an area in the market that they could fully commit to.
DNA was an ideal play that all three of them were excited to perform and in May over 30 auditionees turned up to try for a part in this exciting thriller, with Joshua taking on the director’s role.
DNA by Dennis Kelly, who interestingly also co-wrote the hit musical Matilda with Tim Minchin, follows the silent yet intimidating, 16 year old Phil, and his fearful following of misfits as they come to terms with the consequences of a practical joke that ends in tragedy. This piece deals directly and powerfully with hard hitting, relevant issues, such as violence, guilt, unrequited love, tyranny and solidarity within a group of adolescents who have placed themselves at the edge of society.
Casting the 11 roles up for grabs was never going to be an easy task for them but, Joshua tells me, “We had such a great turn out for the auditions, more than we ever expected and everyone was so good. We had to make some tough decisions but we think we have got the best cast.”
Each of the friends have contributed their own funds towards putting on the production which will take place at The Dixon Studio at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff this Saturday 12th September with just two performances; one at 4pm and the other at 8pm. The fact that they are only doing two performances on one day is purely financial and they hope that in the future they will be able to raise enough money to be able to put on a full week’s run of a production, possibly next Autumn. They do have another play lined up for April next year but this again will be a two shows on one day production. If you would like to audition for future productions, then keep up to date with the company on their Facebook page. (Triple Helix Productions)
All three have belonged individually to various drama groups in Southend, including Nineteen12, JADA and The Palace Youth Theatre as well as performing with their school and college drama groups. However, they found themselves thrown together as part of the cast of 1912’s The Witches earlier this year and it was after getting to know each other in this production that they realised they all had a common desire - to form a production company of their own; one that would put on more grittier and hard hitting plays that would really pack a punch to its audiences. They also specifically wanted to target a playing cast of ages between 16 and 19 years old as they believe that this is an age group that has garnered so much talent within the Southend area; and with so many play opportunities for teenagers, Triple Helix felt this was an area in the market that they could fully commit to.
DNA was an ideal play that all three of them were excited to perform and in May over 30 auditionees turned up to try for a part in this exciting thriller, with Joshua taking on the director’s role.
DNA by Dennis Kelly, who interestingly also co-wrote the hit musical Matilda with Tim Minchin, follows the silent yet intimidating, 16 year old Phil, and his fearful following of misfits as they come to terms with the consequences of a practical joke that ends in tragedy. This piece deals directly and powerfully with hard hitting, relevant issues, such as violence, guilt, unrequited love, tyranny and solidarity within a group of adolescents who have placed themselves at the edge of society.
Casting the 11 roles up for grabs was never going to be an easy task for them but, Joshua tells me, “We had such a great turn out for the auditions, more than we ever expected and everyone was so good. We had to make some tough decisions but we think we have got the best cast.”
Each of the friends have contributed their own funds towards putting on the production which will take place at The Dixon Studio at The Palace Theatre, Westcliff this Saturday 12th September with just two performances; one at 4pm and the other at 8pm. The fact that they are only doing two performances on one day is purely financial and they hope that in the future they will be able to raise enough money to be able to put on a full week’s run of a production, possibly next Autumn. They do have another play lined up for April next year but this again will be a two shows on one day production. If you would like to audition for future productions, then keep up to date with the company on their Facebook page. (Triple Helix Productions)
The guys seem to have everything a successful production company needs, Sam Thomas is in charge of lighting, sound, set and design and Harry Neal has taken on the organisational responsibilities of booking, promotions, poster and leaflet design leaving the job of directing the company to Joshua Picton, who after a three month rehearsal period seems more than happy with their progress. If you would like tickets for this exciting show click on the The Palace Theatre website www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.
Front: Michael Burrows, Maddie Stavrinou, Catherine Lawler, Morgan Eves
Back: Jack Clark, Alfie Clark, Devante Williams-Fleming, Danny Whitelaw, Alex Connelly