Our twenties is a funny period of our lives. Adulthood is firmly in motion, yet adolescence is not that far behind us. Some people might really come into their own, feeling secure in themselves, while others still try to find out who they are. In Adam Kinneen’s provocatively titled play, five friends have gathered for the 26th birthday of Noah. He has a question for them each to answer. What is the most intimate experience they’ve ever had? The question immediately ignites debate. What follows is a two-hour exploration of a great many themes, all of which are cleverly intertwined into the conversations that perhaps only really close friends are able to have.
While their personalities naturally differ, the cast of five effortlessly depicts the bonds between the friends, and we fully buy into these believable relationships. Joseph Lynch as Noah exudes arrogance, yet as the play progresses, we see it is clearly his attempt at concealing his unhappiness. The actor does banter and bravado exceedingly well, and whenever he’s on stage, we brace ourselves for what might come out of his mouth next. A memorable performance.
Lynch is in very good company. He is joined by Max Brennan’s River, who just might have a crush on Frederick Russell’s playfully energetic Ruby. There is some show-stopping chemistry on display and some real moments of tension with Nina Fidderman’s apparently more mature Cleo injecting further layers to the group dynamics.
Andi Bickers also commands the small stage with a captivating turn. Their Bailey is that one member of the group who glues things together or at least attempts to, but as witnessed with these characters, no one is immune to emotion. Kinneen, who also directs, has assembled a highly gifted cast to bring his writing to life. There is laughter here, sadness, and raw, high emotion, yet breathing space to consider the play’s points, which are welcomely received by the audience.
The Drayton Arms Theatre remains a highly important venue to showcase new writing, especially at a time when opportunities for fresh talent are becoming increasingly harder to find. Kinneen no doubt has an exciting future ahead along with this talented cast and it will be interesting to see where these artists go next.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
D*ck. is a penetrating plunge into being young, scared, and addicted to needing more, from everything. The play follows Noah, Ruby, Bailey, River, and Cleo, five twentysomethings who enjoy pushing and playing with the boundaries of social and sexual taboos. After turning 26 and becoming fearful of lost youth, they decide to push the boundaries of life until they break. D*ck. is a story of desire and consequence, lust and loss, frivolity and fear. This production doesn’t waste a second, exploring how exciting it is to say what you mean, how frightening it is to follow what you want, and how little time we have to do it. “I’m 26 years old and it doesn’t rhyme with the carelessness of life anymore”.
CAST
Noah: Joseph Lynch (he/him)
Bailey: Andi Bickers (they/them)
Ruby: Frederick Russell (he/him)
River: Max Brennan (he/him)
Cleo: Nina Fidderman (she/her)
CREATIVE
Writer and Director: Adam Kinneen (he/him)
Executive Producer: Abigail Dawn (she/her)
Producer: Eloise McGeady (she/her)
Production and Costume Designer: Katie Shores (she/her)
Lighting Designer: Harriet White (she/her)
Production Electrician and Lighting Programmer: Joe Bloodworth (he/him)
Production Electrician: James Denny (he/him)
Sound Design and Technical Operator: Polly Dacam (she/her)
Social Media and Production Assistant: Kim Michelle (she/her)
Stage Manager: Lucy Anne Fletcher (she/her)
DICK
Drayton Arms Theatre
15 to 26 April 2025
