Martin Fowler brings DNA to the Rose (From Croydon Guardian)

Martin Fowler brings DNA to the Rose Theatre in Kingston

7:00am Monday 6th February 2012 in Theatre By Conor McGlone

James Alexandrou, better known as Martin Fowler of EastEnders fame, heads the cast of a new play at Kingston's Rose Theatre this month.

DNA, which was first performed at the National Theatre in 2008, has been made a core set-text of the GCSE English syllabus.

Alexandrou says the production is about a "group of young people who are responsible for killing one of their own and dealing with the consequences.

"It’s a very accessible play, very swift; it’s about questioning the meaning of life."

He described the play as massively different from EastEnders, which he said was a “self-contained thing."

Since his spell in Albert Square, Alexandrou has graced the stage in productions such as Henry V and As You Like It.

And Alexandrou is a fan of Shakespeare too saying: "He’s alright, he knows what he’s talking about."

According to Alexandrou, taking on the bard is something every actor should do and want to do.

He said: "If you can get on and do [Shakespeare] you can turn your hand at anything, it is the root of modern theatre."

And what of DNA being a core text in the GCSE syllabus? “It’s nice to be involved, most kids will enjoy it and it’s accessible”, he said.

DNA, Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, February 6-8, 7pm, additional 1.30pm show on February 8, £8-£16, call 08444 821556, or visit rosetheatrekingston.org.