THE TRIALS

The near future.

The climate crisis is unfolding and our generation is being judged. 

The jurors? Children. But are they delivering justice, or serving revenge?

In this searing new play by Dawn King, the next generation of talent star alongside leading actors, directed by Natalie Abrahami.

A Donmar Local Production: identifying talent of the future and proudly platforming them and the issues that matter. 

The Trials received its world première at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in 2021, and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. The Trials Young Assistants’ Programme is generously supported by the Backstage Trust. 

★★★★ “Gripping, parable about the near future that’s also an unsettling window into the vertiginous chaos of revolution.” Time Out 

★★★★ “Urgent viewing… The great glory of both the play and the production, directed by Natalie Abrahami with a touch that seems light but is always sure, is the fervour of this debate. The playing is staggeringly truthful and direct… many are making their professional theatre debuts. All are excellent” WhatsOnStage

★★★★ “The jurors are played with great commitment and focus by a young cast, many making their professional debuts as part of the Donmar Local programme, which encourages community engagement around Camden and Westminster.” The Stage 

★★★★ “Passionately thought-provoking narrative on intertwining societal and environmental issues. It begs the question of whether anyone, irrespective of generation, is truly innocent.” Everything Theatre

★★★★ “Both convincing and urgent… a compelling production… haunting and thought-provoking – this is the best play about our climate emergency” The Arts Desk 

It’s easy for you to accuse me now but you don’t understand. Everyone lived like we did! Well maybe not everyone, everyone. But…I wasn’t any worse than anyone else

With special thanks to Charles Holloway, Season Supporter.

This production is generously supported by Adam and Victoria Freudenheim.

The Trials Young Assistants Programme has been generously supported by the Backstage Trust.