A MOVING production of ‘Missing Dan Nolan,’ inspired by the real-life 2002 disappearance of a Hampshire teenager, was staged by The Royal Senior School drama department.

Head of drama Ed Taylor-Gooby, said: “Each year the drama department produces a range of live theatre designed to enlighten, enrich and entertain. We launched the upper school play four years ago with the aim of producing challenging theatre that explores contemporary issues.

“Since its introduction, we have taken plays to G Live as well as the Electric Theatre in Guildford.

“With the refurbishment of our own theatre space here in Kilmorey Hall, this year we have taken advantage of the professional facilities that we now enjoy.

“The performers rose to the challenge of this mature and thought-provoking piece of ensemble theatre. It was moving to see teenagers tackle such relevant and pertinent issues through the expressive arts.”

Tragically, Dan never returned home after becoming separated from his friends on a night-time fishing trip in Hamble. Just under two years later, human remains were discovered in a remote area in Swanage, 60 miles away, which were positively identified as being him.

Mark Wheeller, the playwright, said: “I live in Southampton and had seen the Missing Dan Nolan posters in my locality.

“My eldest, Ollie, was nearly the same age as Dan, so I could empathise with the parents totally. When I heard the family were trying to find ways of raising awareness I offered to write a play.

“When I decided to write ‘Missing Dan Nolan’ I had no hesitation in returning to verbatim to tell this story. This play had to get as close to the truth as memory would allow. These people had lived through this tragedy and were, in my opinion the only people who could tell the story.

“I interviewed Dan’s parents and sister, Clare, the three boys who were with him that night and one of their parents. I also interviewed the policeman who was in charge of the investigation. The play is made from their words exclusively.”