Review: Dick, Drayton Arms Theatre

Are you satisfied? Lust, love and desire are at the forefront of Dick. Following on from sixteen sold out shows, Next to Nothing Productions brings Dick. to the Drayton Arms Theatre for a night full of emotional turmoil and interrogations of the self.

Only seeming to convene for birthdays, five friends discuss at length all which seems important to young adults: sex, drugs and romance. Conversational scenes dominate the play, beautifully written and encapsulating that moment post night-out where friends discuss taboo topics and reveal outlandish secrets only to never bring them up again sober.

Noah (Joseph Lynch) is an arrogant ‘pervert’ whose long speeches and existential musings, littered with superfluous words, make him seem a bit up himself. His insecurities and unhappiness become clear the more he speaks and Lynch is fabulous at being infuriating, seemingly devoid of feelings and eventually raw in his revelations.

Ruby is a charming, wistful man who wants to enjoy life to the maximum, regardless of what it might cost. With effortless smouldering and flirtatious energy, Frederick Russell has the amazing ability to embody Ruby as he falls apart. River (Max Brennan) is besotted with Ruby, shy and trying to figure himself out, seeking to be free. The two actors have an electric chemistry, cemented by an outstanding scene where the two sit in complete silence for minutes, contemplating whether they are willing to take a risk.

Bailey is the supportive friend, the one who tries to hold everyone together as it all falls apart. With the ability to dominate, demand and attempt to keep everyone rooted in reality, they reveal that you can’t always be the emotionally strong one. Andi Bickers stands out for their impeccable acting as Bailey, from body language to emotional breakdowns that capture someone who cares so deeply for those they love.

Finally, Cleo (Nina Fidderman) is Ruby’s sister. Wise, mature and the outlier of the group, she doesn’t have the same hunger for desire as the rest. Certainly less developed than the other characters, it would have been nice to see her character more fleshed out, whether that be a deeper exploration of her friendship with Bailey or to watch her character interrogated in the same way as the others.

No singular character is the protagonist in Dick. Rather we see each character face their own struggle with self-identity, resisting or giving into urges. Each actor is brilliant and the cohesion and chemistry between them is undeniable. Both an outstanding writer and director, Adam Kinneen executes the production brilliantly on stage. Beautiful prose meanders on escapism and carelessness, revealing that actions do have drastic consequences. The staging adds to the immersion of the audience in the play, using props to create a casual environment reflective of a cosy space for friends to gather or flashing lights at a nightclub. Paired with great costumes, the production has an aura of the early 2000s.

Despite its two hour run time, plus an interval for much needed reflection, the play rarely loses its pace and keeps audiences transfixed throughout. It’s commendable for a small production to feel so cohesive and thoroughly thought out. It would be exciting to see this production reach bigger audiences in bigger venues, a feat it’s certainly ready for.

It is not often a play really sticks with me afterwards but Dick. illicits such strong emotional reactions, from joy to laughter to despair and sadness, it left me desiring more. Kinneen’s writing excites my background in literature. It is a production that could be watched again and again with new revelations emerging each time. From superb casting to great writing, Dick. is a play that is really worth watching.

Written and directed by: Adam Kinneen
Executive production by: Abigail Dawn
Production by: Eloise McGeady and Katie Shores
Costume design by: Harriet White
Production electricians: Joe Bloodworth and James Denny
Light programming by: Joe Bloodworth
Sound design and technical operation by: Polly Dacam
Stage management by: Lucy Anne Fletcher
Social media and production assistance by: Kim Michelle

Dick. plays at Drayton Arms Theatre until Saturday 26 April.