Watermill Theatre announces all-female Dorian Gray adaptation

The Watermill Theatre has announced an an-female adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, to run at the theatre from 18 to 23 September before touring local halls and schools.

The show will be directed by Owen Horsley, recently responsible for the gender-fluid production of ''Salomé'' (another Oscar Wilde play) at the RSC Swan Theatre. Horsley will create a stripped-back version of Wilde’s gothic masterpiece.

Wilde’s story has been adapted by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and will be performed in a fast-paced 75-minute production by a cast of three, Eva Feiler, Emily Stott and Emma McDonald.

Horsley says: "This production is a sharp dissection of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, focusing on the world of narcissism and pleasure. Phoebe’s version is full of Wilde’s legendary wit and bite and weaves together the story with a new energy and immediacy."

Eclair-Powell’s debut play WINK in 2015 received four Off West End Nominations and her latest play Fury won the Soho Young Writer’s Award and received an Offie nomination for Best New Play.

Last year’s stripped back Watermill Theatre production of Frankenstein transferred to Wilton’s Music Hall in London.

The Picture of Dorian Gray runs at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, from 18 to 23 September before touring locally.