Fionn Whitehead, star of Dunkirk and Black Mirror, will take the title role in a new online adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic play The Picture of Dorian Gray (16th – 31st March) directed by Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director Tamara Harvey.
Most recently seen starring in the Lionsgate and Saban Films’ Don’t Tell A Soul, Fionn Whitehead is best known for his critically acclaimed performance as the protagonist Tommy in Christopher Nolan’s Academy Award nominated war film, Dunkirk.
Set in a profile pic-obsessed, filter-fixated world where online and reality blur, influencer Dorian Gray makes a deal. For his social star never to fade. For the perfect self he broadcasts to the world to always remain. But as his mental health starts to decline, as corruption and murderous depravity start to creep into his world, the true and horrific cost of his deal will soon need to be met.
The Picture of Dorian Gray, which runs from 16 – 31 March, will reunite Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director Tamara Harvey with playwright Henry Filloux-Bennett to create an innovative show that will excite and delight, using elements found in radio plays, films, documentaries as well as traditional theatrical techniques.
Tamara Harvey and Henry Filloux-Bennett said:
“So many of us have found ourselves living in an ever more online world over the last year. We really wanted to explore what would happen if you brought Oscar Wilde’s dark tale kicking and screaming into a world of Instagram, Facebook and dating apps.”
Tamara Harvey and Henry Filloux-Bennett’s most recent collaboration, What a Carve Up!, featured an all-star cast including Alfred Enoch, Stephen Fry, Rebecca Front, Derek Jacobi and Wales’ Catrin Aaron, and was named New York Times Critic’s Pick as well as being hailed as one of the years’ best productions by The Guardian and The Telegraph.
Theatr Clwyd are co-producing the show with Cirencester’s Barn Theatre, Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre and Oxford Playhouse with partner venues including Wales’ Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Milford Haven’s Torch Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased via Theatr Clwyd’s website (www.theatrclwyd.com) or at www.pictureofdoriangray.com with audience members receiving a screening link which will activate on their booked performance date for a 48-hour period. Tickets are £12.
Further casting and creatives for the production will be announced at a later date.