DNA-mazing Junior Drama Production!

This session's Junior Drama Production saw a group of eleven Senior 1 - Senior 3 pupils tackle Dennis Kelly's acclaimed play DNA over the course of three evenings in the Senior School Drama Studio. 

First performed nearly 20 years ago, DNA tells the story of a group of teenagers who hide a terrible secret. When a shocking act of violence spirals out of control, fear and panic spread through the group, and their attempts to cover up the truth only make matters worse. As loyalties shift and pressure mounts, friendships are tested to breaking point. In a world where survival matters more than honesty, each character must decide how far they are willing to go to protect themselves.

Darkly funny, gripping and unsettling, DNA explores guilt, responsibility and the frightening power of peer pressure. Much credit should go to our young performers who tackled the serious subject matter with a remarkable level of maturity, conveying the challenging story to audiences each night with both great skill and daring panache.

Christopher Deans, Director of the production and Drama Teacher at the High School, said:

Despite DNA being a play with complex themes and challenging language, the pupils have shown amazing maturity, focus and determination during rehearsals. After school and weekend rehearsals since January have shown their dedication to getting it right, but also to bringing the very best possible production to an audience as they can. The Drama Department are immensely proud of their commitment and positive attitude, as well as the amazing skills they have shown.”

Thanks also go to the team behind the scenes - pupils and staff alike - who helped make the show such a success. From lighting and sound, hair and makeup, set design and props, to those creating programmes, helping out backstage and those overseeing the show, it truly was a team effort. 
 

Congratulations to everyone involved on a moving and powerful production - you can view a photo gallery from the show below.

With thanks to Martin Shields for these great images.