Photo credit: Danny Kaan
At the end of the 19th century, Oscar Wilde wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray, a gothic novel which scandalised Victorian society and was used against the writer when he was tried and convicted of homosexuality. The novel became an English literary classic and was made into several films. Its latest incarnation is Dorian The Musical ,written by Joe Evans and Linnie Reedman. Wilde's characters are transplanted into the 21st Century. Dorian (Alfie Friedman), managed by Lord Wotton (George Renshaw) who encourages him to excesses and his sytlist wife Victoria ( Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson). Photographer Baz Hallward (Leeroy Boone) takes Dorian's photograph capturing his essential haunting beauty. He is deeply affected by is and gives the picture to Dorian who "sells his soul" to the devil to remain young and handsome while the portrait ages... Dorian feels he cannot love anyone and when opera singer Sibyl (Megan Hill) declares her love for him he is cutting and cruel. Rhys Lambert completes the acting ensemble.
Most people know the story even if they haven't read the book, and perhaps this interpretation relies a little too heavily on that assumption. The first thing Harriet remarked upon, seeing the programme, was the number of songs. There are 11 in each act, and Harriet's comment was there was too much singing with no real acting in between and I agree. The plot felt it needed a bit more substance to move the narrative forward and see the characters develop.
The set design by Isabella van Braeckel (also in charge of costume) allows for a manoeurvring of furniture and props to change locations and makes the most of the limited stage space. The band is on view at the back of the set accentuating the recording studio and club scenes. Some scenes are erotic and characters gender fluid but all within the bounds of artistic movement, a tribute to the intimacy director, Hannah Rose Goalstone. One thing I thought they could have made more use of social media ≠ Dorian claims never to look at it but other characters certainly would and we all know how pervasive it is these days.
Harriet is just above the recommended minimum age (14) so see Dorian The Musical but I had no worries about her sensitivities as she has a sophisticated outlook and has been to press events with me virtually all her life. Typical of teenage behaviour she acted fairly disinterested when we arrived but was intrigued by the outfits and make-up of some of the guests it was press night and there were lots of friends, dressed for the occasion in the audience. Oscar Wilde would have approved!
Take your for teens who enjoy theatre and may also be studying drama and English literature. I think the production will find its feet more as they they settle into the run.
Facts box:
Location: Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
Dates: until 10 August 2024
Time: 7.30pm Monday to Saturday – 3pm matinees Tuesdays and Saturdays
Running time: 2 hours 10 min (including 20 min interval)
Ticket Prices: £32 Standard, £26 Concessions
Age Guidance: 14+
Box Office Tickets are available from https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical
How To Get There: The nearest stations are Borough and Elephant & Castle lots of buses from London Bridge Station