REVIEW
The Wednesday Players
present
D.N.A.
at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea, Essex
18th - 21st May 2022
The Wednesday Players
present
D.N.A.
at the Dixon Studio, Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea, Essex
18th - 21st May 2022
DNA. A modern-day Lord of the Flies, this play follows the declining morals of a group of teenagers who find themselves in a difficult situation in the woods. The play opens dramatically, with the declaration that someone is dead. We quickly find out that the group of teenagers on-stage is responsible for the death in question. What follows is a sometimes farcical, often tragic, depiction of human selfishness and frailty. Intent on saving themselves, the teens quickly set out to cover their tracks with some unexpected consequences.
DNA tackles a range of hard-hitting topics, all of which are relevant today. It delves into ideas about bullying, moral culpability, the devastating effects of peer pressure, the inherent darkness of mankind- present even in our children. It should be noted that these ideas are explored with some use of bad language, so you may want to think twice before bringing young children along.
The biggest challenge that amateur companies face in tackling Dennis Kelly’s DNA is often the lack of young actors. The Wednesday Players have done well to gather together such a talented and committed group of young people. This is a challenging play to perform, and they have done an admirable job. The opening lines of the play are given over to text messaging, something young people viewing the play will find very familiar. Imogen Robins and Sydney Robins burst onto the stage with an energy that continued to build throughout the play. They were an effective double-act, always playing off each other and delivering some beautiful scenes. I was particularly moved by Imogen Robins’ chilling description of some brutal bullying, which was delivered with great skill. Melissa Thomson, as the re-gendered Dani, brought some comedy relief with her obsession with teeth and dental school. Kye Skilton captured Phil’s stoicism (and love of waffles) very effectively, while Jessica Mcallister provided an eerily excellent depiction of a sociopath in the making.
The set transforms the Dixon Studio into an ominous, brooding forest where anything might happen. The set is flexible and is managed well to give the impression of different settings within the forest. This helps the audience to keep up with the fast-paced shifting of scenes. This production also makes innovative use of technology, which provides a different way of engaging with the text. The music has been chosen carefully to produce a sinister atmosphere, often at odds with the bright lighting and sounds of the natural setting.
I was lucky enough to be allowed to see DNA during its dress rehearsal. People often worry about opening their show to a reviewer on this night, but The Wednesday Players had nothing to be concerned about. The show is energetic, fast-paced (coming in at just over an hour with no interval), and full of excellent performances. This is a play that needs and fully deserves an audience. It is running from 18th to 20th May at the Dixon Studio. Don’t miss it!
REVIEW: Cathy Memery
DNA tackles a range of hard-hitting topics, all of which are relevant today. It delves into ideas about bullying, moral culpability, the devastating effects of peer pressure, the inherent darkness of mankind- present even in our children. It should be noted that these ideas are explored with some use of bad language, so you may want to think twice before bringing young children along.
The biggest challenge that amateur companies face in tackling Dennis Kelly’s DNA is often the lack of young actors. The Wednesday Players have done well to gather together such a talented and committed group of young people. This is a challenging play to perform, and they have done an admirable job. The opening lines of the play are given over to text messaging, something young people viewing the play will find very familiar. Imogen Robins and Sydney Robins burst onto the stage with an energy that continued to build throughout the play. They were an effective double-act, always playing off each other and delivering some beautiful scenes. I was particularly moved by Imogen Robins’ chilling description of some brutal bullying, which was delivered with great skill. Melissa Thomson, as the re-gendered Dani, brought some comedy relief with her obsession with teeth and dental school. Kye Skilton captured Phil’s stoicism (and love of waffles) very effectively, while Jessica Mcallister provided an eerily excellent depiction of a sociopath in the making.
The set transforms the Dixon Studio into an ominous, brooding forest where anything might happen. The set is flexible and is managed well to give the impression of different settings within the forest. This helps the audience to keep up with the fast-paced shifting of scenes. This production also makes innovative use of technology, which provides a different way of engaging with the text. The music has been chosen carefully to produce a sinister atmosphere, often at odds with the bright lighting and sounds of the natural setting.
I was lucky enough to be allowed to see DNA during its dress rehearsal. People often worry about opening their show to a reviewer on this night, but The Wednesday Players had nothing to be concerned about. The show is energetic, fast-paced (coming in at just over an hour with no interval), and full of excellent performances. This is a play that needs and fully deserves an audience. It is running from 18th to 20th May at the Dixon Studio. Don’t miss it!
REVIEW: Cathy Memery
When a group of teenagers’ bullying of another student goes too far, they are left with an unplanned death [Anna's] on their conscience. The mixed up group panic and decide to cover up their involvement in Anna's death. However, when they realise their deception has worked and actually brings peace to their confused lives, how do they move forwards? The teenagers split into two camps when they realise that their actions have framed an innocent man for their crime. But is this enough of an incentive to put right their wrong? And what happens when the presumed dead come back to life?
Written by Dennis Kelly, who also co-wrote Matilda the Musical with Tim Minchin, this hard-hitting play is really one not to miss!
Tickets are available from www.southendtheatres.org.uk
or call the box office on 0343 3100030