“We were having a laugh, weren’t we…” Lakeside Arts and The Nottingham New Theatre brings a chilling production of DNA

Adam is gone, presumed dead. He was last seen on the edge of a deep, disused shaft, with a group of teenagers throwing stones at him. They may be guilty, but they have no intention of getting caught.

Following six highly successful co-productions in recent years, The Nottingham New Theatre and Lakeside Arts are working together again on a brand new production of Dennis Kelly’s DNA. Giles Croft, former Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, will direct the talented student cast from Nottingham New Theatre in a thrilling adaptation that will immerse audiences in a world of deception and blame.

First performed at the National Theatre in February 2008, Dennis Kelly’s dark comedy is a sharply observed analysis of human group psyche, multi-layered with themes of power, friendship and bullying. Part of the GCSE Drama and English curriculum, Lakeside offers dedicated pre- and post-performance briefings and education packs to school groups attending the play.

Director Giles Croft said ‘I am delighted to be working on DNA with Nottingham New Theatre and Lakeside Arts. It’s the perfect play for these actors as their performances will have a youthful energy and insight that will make watching it all the more enjoyable.’

The Nottingham New Theatre is the only student run theatre in England, producing award winning work throughout the year. 2019 is the seventh partnership production by the theatre company and Lakeside Arts, following last year’s hugely successful Lysistrata and previous productions including Blue Stockings, Oedipus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Dr Faustus. This collaboration provides a unique professional development opportunity for all the New Theatre student participants who work intensively throughout their Easter vacation with a professional director, production and marketing team. The project also involves two Theatre Design students from Nottingham Trent University, part of whose final year degree project includes the design and delivery of this production.

Florence Avis, first year student of English at the University of Nottingham plays the role of Lou. She said: ‘I am very excited to be part of the cast for DNA. It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with professionals and perform to the public.’