THE Merlin Theatre is very excited to be hosting a production of Dennis Kelly’s hugely popular ‘DNA’, a play known to many now as a GCSE curriculum piece of literature, but loved my most as an exciting and engaging part of contemporary theatre for young adults.
A fast paced and brutal piece written in 2008, ‘DNA’ hurtles through the dynamics of a crumbling friendship group, following a night of vodka, as it raises themes such as bullying, gang membership, social responsibility, morality, leadership and even murder. It leaves its audience breathless and asks the question, “What would you do?”
Produced and performed by Quirky Bird Theatre, the show has been touring to great applause and this particular production, directed by former Somerset resident, Anna Friend, has been described as “stunning…superb directorial interpretation”.
Quirky Bird Theatre, founded in 2016, is a Wiltshire-based company led by Anna Friend. It has a strong reputation for producing outstanding theatre with young people.
The Merlin theatre says, “The ‘DNA’ tour is a wonderful project which not only brings live theatre to students, enabling a deeper understanding of the text, but also offers professional opportunities to young actors entering the industry and those looking to gain more experience. Despite being grounded by the pandemic, Quirky Bird has worked hard to resurrect the tour for schools and for many students, watching ‘DNA’ has been their introduction to live theatre.
“This production is visceral and full of youthful energy, performed by an amazing cast of young talent. It can be appreciated and enjoyed by all but as the play contains strong language, as well as mild violence and aggression throughout, the producers and the Merlin recommend it is most suitable for those aged 13 and over.”
‘DNA’ will be performed at 3pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th April. Full details are on the Merlin website: www.merlintheatre.co.uk or tel. 01373 465949.
![Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams](https://scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/684201964_18069463433653265_2722712448142239347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=lpPD1lkIpzUQ7kNvwGc5hdb&_nc_oc=Adpzr2hnI58mBzDyMxcnkdK_pr7-84FAARfoTk3dgtKJKwIbvYouQytEkAdXpaUAvxU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=QKz5uslOl1wFJGffej9rcQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEhS3JmIIRGVtdvc7NeDg-szHPgOZvSeqR7PYflJsqm1cp0XCNujCDPTyODWI0mmJV4mujraOr9&oh=00_Af2_0pgXuakjMTfphq9JSx7v6C2RU__qPFT1d7jQmFh5EA&oe=69F7C6AA "Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams")
