Oscar Wilde’s famous novel (commissioned 125 years ago this month as it happens, during the same dinner that brought back Sherlock Holmes for his second novel) is, in case you didn’t know, about a man who gives up his soul to have his portrait age instead of him. It is presented here in a new adaptation curtesy of ETC Theatre Company, promising “a fast-paced adaptation featuring music, slapstick and plenty of Wildean wit”.
While I’m not sure I’d agree with the last part of that description outside of the lines plucked straight from the novel – can anything be called Wildean when it includes dancing to Abba and Robbie Williams? – the first two are indeed here in buckets and the show is a joyously silly farce from beginning to end which had its audience laughing throughout.
Playing up the gay subtext for all its worth with an all-female cast playing all the (mostly male) parts, the show makes good use of its sound, lighting and even the occasional prop malfunction to great comedic effect, committing 110% to the cartoonish characters and silly moments to great success. While this wouldn’t be the most accurate introduction to Wilde or the original gothic story about vice and appearance, it is a great hour’s entertainment thanks to its stellar cast and humour.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is running at The Space On The Mile until August 10th. Tickets can be found at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/picture-of-dorian-gray
Reviewer: Oliver Giggins
Reviewed: 9th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: