THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

“I’m not heartless but this isn’t affecting me like it should”

A review by Tanya Howard

The Picture Of Dorian Gray was written in 1890 and when it was first published it caused a scandal. The Daily Chronicle believed It would “taint every young mind that comes in contact with it.” People were shocked that Oscar Wilde was questioning the basis of morality; why we do good things and what would happen if we removed consequences.

Dorian Gray is the subject of a portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward who is infatuated by Dorian’s youthful beauty. Through Basil, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton who he becomes captivated by as he listens to Henry voice his debauched views on the world; convincing Dorian that sensual fulfilment and beauty should be valued more than anything else.

Basil’s photograph captivates everyone, with Henry declaring it’s his best work yet, but Dorian is so enthralled by his portrait that he wishes he could sell his soul to stop ageing and stop his beauty from fading. Unbeknown to Dorian at first his wish is granted and under the damaging influence of Lord Henry the portrait ages and becomes more hideous reflecting Dorian’s descent in moral decay.

Gavin Fowler was very impressive in the role of Dorian Gray, captivating the audience and taking us on his journey from an innocent blissfully unaware young man to a depraved and corrupt monster but holding on to his youthful looks. He is convincing in the role and it’s easy to dislike the awful character that he becomes.

Jonathan Wrather, who you may recognise from his time in Emmerdale, played Lord Henry and he captured the role of the dissolute role model who spirals into a pit of alcoholism after a lifetime of immoral thinking. A number of the male characters were changed to female but I haven’t actually read the book so I can’t compare the differences or the impact this may or may not have made.

At a time when the media pushes a certain image on how society should look and behave, and with apps like Instagram that promote perfection and filtered images, this play could not have come back on tour at a more apt time. A cautionary tale of vanity, narcissism, self-absorption that is still as poignant now as it ever has been.

Photo Credit: Craig Sugden