Donna Anita Nikolaisen

Donna as
Judith Noone
in 'Belfast Girls'

In the opening scene we meet four of the five characters, one or two spatting already. ‘Fat’ Hanna (impressive Leah Rossiter) gets in an argument with Ellen (Fiona Keenan O’ Brien) over who caught the cook’s eye. The air turns blue but Judith, a natural leader and excellently played by Donna Anita Nikolaisen, sorts them out.

The Belfast Times

Theatre & Film 2024

After decades abroad, Shane returns to a multicultural Ireland he barely recognises. But he discovers surprising links: an unknown daughter, a black teenage grandson trying to define his identity, and gangland figures threatening the boy’s future.

Can he protect this grandson who is unaware of his existence and can they both find ways to feel they truly belong here?

 4/5

"Ray Yeates reprises his role in this production, almost years on from his first with Bolger. He is strongly accompanied by Fionnuala Gygax and Donna Anita Nikolaisen, who play various roles, believably occupying the space of a cocky drug dealer one moment, an immigrant the next."

Conor Capllis, The Irish Times Review

Under Raymond Keane’s direction several moments achieve visual poetry, as when Shane’s daughter stalks him like a femme fatale in a film noir movie... Donna Anita Nikolaisen shines consistently as Lisa's caring friend... Irish art owes Dermot Bolger a huge debt of gratitude for his immeasurable contribution over many decades.

The Arts Review.com

"From the reaction of the audience Bolger has succeeded in making engaging theatre. It was enthusiastically received. It was part of the Dublin Theatre Festival in the Civic Theatre in Tallaght and now is in the Viking in Clontarf. The cast and crew deserve praise for this production and for making it easily available to audiences outside the city centre."

Frank L, No More Workhorse Review

Donna plays the role of ‘Biology Teacher’ in September Says

Ariane Labed’s arresting directorial debut tells the story of two bonded siblings who have created their own world in which only they can reside — a universe which is increasingly enrapturing and troubling for the audience. September Says captures the fragility of adolescence with a preciseness and intimacy, brought to life by performances from Mia Tharia and Pascale Kann, assisted by Rakhee Thakrar as the single mother who loves them both but cannot fully enter the private sanctum of their sisterhood. Shifting from a character study into something more mysterious and haunting, September Says establishes its peculiar, arresting tone from the start….

Tim Grierson, Screen Daily Review

An Táin Arts Centre and Quintessence Theatre proudly present: Belfast Girls By Jaki McCarrick

“We have this one an’ only chance. An ‘in all the kingdom of Ireland aren’t we – us women – aren’t we damned lucky to be getting out of it?”

Escaping the Famine in 1850 five fierce young women board the Inchinnan in Belfast in hope of a new, better life in Australia. But confined in close quarters in the belly of the ship on a tumultuous sea journey as they sail away from their homeland secrets are revealed, enemies made, and it becomes clear that no matter where they go, there is no escaping the dark pasts they carry with them…

In the Irish premiere of this new drama by award-winning Dundalk playwright Jaki McCarrick, An Táin Arts Centre and Quintessence Theatre bring their unique physical ensemble style to McCarrick’s gripping story, exploring urgent, current questions around classism, patriarchy, and the ripple effects of colonialism through a powerful historical play based on true stories.

Donna plays the lead role of ‘Judith Noone’ in Belfast Girls. Directed by Anna Simpson from Quintessence Theatre.

Jan/Feb 2024

The Táin
The Lyric
The Droichead
The Solstice

This is an actors' and writer's stage, with every performer shining in their own way - in particular, Donna Anita Nikolaisen handles the challenge of Judith's mindset with commensurate command and Siobhan Kelly brings out Molly's complexities with delicate nuance.

Simon Fallaha, Reviewer

The Belfast Times

Voice Over Artist

Donna is an Irish voice over artist who has voiced roles for animation, video games, audiobooks, radio plays and commercials.

Donna narrates the Virgin Media documentary ‘The Story of Water’.

Donna voices the role of ‘Mum’ in Cartoon Saloon’s pre-school animation ‘Silly Sundays’. Currently viewable on RTE Player and Cartoonito worldwide.

'Magnificently narrated.'

'Read it in two sittings, loved it. Especially enjoyed the reader who was quite superb.'

'The reader, who can easily ruin a book, had a warm and mellifluous voice that connected the interwoven lives with the thread of the tones of her voice.'