The Picture of Dorian Gray Theatre by the Lake Keswick Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Jo Hardy
The Picture of Dorian Gray is presented by the Tilted Wig production company in association with Watford Palace Theatre and is visiting Theatre by the Lake as part of its UK tour.
The production is adapted and directed by Sean Aydon.
Based on Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel about a young man who is obsessed with keeping his youth and beauty, he has his portrait painted and the portrait grows old instead of him, he goes on to live a life of indulgence, but what happens when a person cares more about looking good than being good.
The set is quite simple and stays the same throughout the show, a piano on one side, a sink and artists materials on the other side, a sideboard, the painting on an easel and a chaise lounge in the centre where a lot of the action took place, the huge back drop cleverly looked like an aging mirror.
The costumes don’t seem to be from any particular era, some were quite modern but they all fit into the story.
The backing sounds are very subtle but along with the fantastic lighting create the perfect slightly creepy atmosphere.
The cast of seven give a very powerful performance, every line is delivered perfectly, each word is clear to hear which is so important in a story with so many words, some members of the cast have dual parts but the main characters stay the same throughout the show, Jack Crumlin who plays Dorian was a real powerhouse on the stage, Lydia Perkins playing Lady Victoria Wotton also brought a lightness that was needed a rather dark story.
The passage of time was not apparent in the cast, as you would expect Dorian remained the same but I didn’t see any changes in the others, the flowers on top of the piano wilted and a telephone was introduced in a later scene other indications of time passing were through the dialogue.
When we first meet Dorian he is boyish and playful but we see him descend into a life of indulgence and lead a hedonistic lifestyle with no thought or compassion for the people around him.
A powerful, intense play, at times it had me on the edge of my seat, it was dark but also had the legendary wit Oscar Wilde running throughout.
It is amazing that this story written 136 years ago is still relevant in today’s world where image and appearance have become the most important things in the lives of some people, this story is a reminder that every choice has a consequence and not to judge people by how they look.
Rating: 5/5
The Picture of Dorian Gray can be seen at Theatre by the Lake from Tuesday 20th Oct to Saturday 24th Oct. Shows start at 7.30pm with 2pm matinees on selected dates, the show lasts for 140 minutes with an interval. Ticket prices start at £12 for under 26’s and can be purchased from www.theatrebythelake.com
Further dates for this tour can be found on tiltedwigproductions.com