Next to Nothing Productions brings Dick, one of their most successful shows to date, to the Riverside Studios and we went to see it. This new work by writer-director Adam Kinneen is a messy and emotionally charged exploration of the chaos, confusion and cravings of adulthood with a particular focus on what life brings to young adults in their mid twenties.
The conversation on stage is masterfully delivered by five friends, against the backdrop of a 26th birthday party as they share raw, honest and intimate debates on subjects like sex, secrets and self-discovery. The cast performance is top notch with each character standing out with their own way of telling their individual story. Joseph Lynch commands attention as Noah, a self-proclaimed pervert whose rich monologues mask a constant ache of self-doubt. Frederick Russell’s Ruby is all charm and chaos, yet somewhat quiet and vulnerable, while Max Brennan’s River brings a soft strength that anchors the show’s most poignant moments.
We were deeply touched by Bailey (Andi Bickers), the group’s linchpin with their cheerful flashes of joy and their very open breakdown moments when they could not help their friends with their struggles. Nina Fidderman’s Cleo, though a somewhat quieter character, offers a grounded counterpoint to the group’s self-indulgence, hinting at a deeper story that never quite unfolds.
The structure is loose, almost dreamlike – conversations drift in and out of focus, time blurs, and the characters seem to orbit each other in a haze of longing and late-night confessions. The show thrives on group dynamics and poignant one to one dialogues.
The silent scene of two men sitting in silence, contemplating a kiss is a masterclass in tension and tenderness.
Kinneen’s writing is poetic and piercing. The first act is heavy with philosophical musings and long pauses that occasionally test the audience’s patience. But act two is heavy with intense emotions, clarity and urgency. Dick doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy resolutions. Instead, it invites you into the mess—of friendship, of desire, of growing up – and dares you to sit with it. It’s not perfect, but it’s brave, brutally honest, and deeply human.
Although not comfortable watching at times, this story of lust and loss, frivolity and fear doesn’t fail to keep the audience curious, and that’s exactly the point.
Dick is at the iconic Riverside Studios between 18 and 25 June. The show runs for 150minutes (including a 15min interval) and is suitable for ages 16+. Ticket prices: £18 / concessions £15. Full information and tickets are available on this website.
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