Review: Picture of Dorian Gray
A dark, gothic tale of morality, beauty and hedonism, The Picture of Dorian Gray, a novel by Oscar Wilde, and performed by Tilted Wig Productions tells the story of the pursuit of youth and beauty and just how far some will strive to maintain youth.
Still relevant today, Tilted Wig Productions make use of Victorian-esque costumes to straddle modern and old in a play that does the same. Bringing this well known story to life on stage with a sparse set, which almost mirrors the supernatural elements of the production.
A tense, often tragic and brilliantly acted performance of Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray kept the audience on the edge of their seat.
Dorian Gray (Gavin Fowler), a beautiful orphan, is the muse of artist Basil Howard (Daniel Goode) who believes that Dorian’s beauty is responsible for elevating his art. It’s through Basil that Dorian Gray meets Lord Henry Wotton (Jonathon Wrather), who’s hedonistic world view enthrals the young beauty, leading him to believe that beauty and pleasure are the only things in life worth pursuing.
Seeing his completed portrait, Dorian despises and loves it – the painting mocks him by remaining young and beautiful whilst he will grow old.
Wishing he could stay young and beautiful like the painting, Dorian, at first, has no idea the cost that will come to him as every sin and misdeed are recorded on the mutating self portrait.
This show is a must see for any lover of gothic horror or thriller productions.
Picture of Dorian Gray is at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich until 6th April – Box office 01473 295900 and then on national tours.
Review: Abi Mayes, Ipswich24 Magazine
Picture: Craig Sugden