Sevenoaks Theatre Company’s production of DNA by Dennis Kelly was a captivating and energetic portrayal of group dynamics, guilt, and moral ambiguity. The play follows a group of teenagers grappling with the consequences of accidentally killing a classmate. The cast worked seamlessly together, bringing the dark themes to life with precision, depth, and occasional comic relief. The in-the-round staging, combined sound track and clever lighting through streetlamps, drew the audience into the very heart of the drama. With actors performing all around us, the immersive setting heightened the intensity, making us feel surrounded by the characters’ spiraling emotions.
Eva and Greta had great stage presence, balancing each other perfectly and creating moments of comic relief and tension that added layers to the drama. Ruby, with her lengthy monologues, delivered each line with an impressive pace and commanding presence, while Georgie’s silent but powerful performance was phenomenal, her constant reactions making her a magnetic presence on stage. Kaja’s authoritative role felt entirely natural, and her subtle, realistic approach gave the production a grounded feel.
Daniel and Aaryan displayed excellent chemistry with all cast members, bouncing lines back and forth without missing a beat, which helped keep the play’s rapid pace intact. Krish’s character stood out particularly in his closing monologue, where his range of emotions brought the audience into his inner turmoil. Collie embodied Cathy perfectly, using physicality and a deep understanding of the text to portray the character’s unsettling nature. James gave an exceptional portrayal of Brian, clearly showing his character’s deterioration through nuanced facial expressions. Lastly, Lawrence’s disturbingly believable portrayal of ‘the boy’ was a chilling addition, rounding off the cast with intensity.
The ensemble’s synergy, deep understanding of the text, and clever use of stage space made DNA a gripping, unforgettable performance.
