Dorian Gray

Synopsis

Set in the image-obsessed worlds of contemporary art and politics, this dark fairy tale tells the story of an exceptionally alluring young man who makes a pact with the devil. Amongst London's beautiful people, Dorian Gray is the "It Boy" - an icon of beauty and truth in an increasingly ugly world. The themes behind Wilde’s cautionary tale - the destructive power of beauty; the blind pursuit of pleasure; the darkness and corruption that lie beneath the charming façade - have never been more timely.

Our Review:

3 September 2008

NOTE: The following review dates from 27 August 2008 and this production's original dates at the Edinburgh International Festival.

It’s no surprise Matthew Bourne picked Edinburgh and its International Festival to launch what will likely be another of his bestselling ‘dancicals’. Sixteen years ago in the very same King’s Theatre his production of The Nutcracker had its premiere and signalled the beginning of a meteoric rise that would propel him to worldwide success.

Bourne’s new work - an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray – has far darker themes than most of his back catalogue: decadence, debauchery and narcissism for starters. It proves a hedonistic if not wholly satisfying experience.

Skilfully transposed to the present day with our protagonist a waiter turned perfume model (‘Immortal, pour homme’ the billboard reads), a few of Bourne’s trademark jokes are dropped into the mix: what else w...

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