Looking for a thrilling, brain-stretching night at the theatre that'll stick with you for all the right reasons? This one's for you. ‘Succession’ star Sarah Snook and hotshot Australian director Kip Williams are taking on a classic Oscar Wilde novel and dragging into the 21st century, for a limited run of unforgettable performances. Here's why you should make sure you're there.
‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ opens in February 2024 at Theatre Royal Haymarket, and will play for a limited season of 14 weeks. Book tickets now.
Generations of readers have been enthralled by Wilde's haunting 1890 novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, which captures the grim downfall of a handsome, decadent man about town who stays forever young, while his portrait becomes grotesquely aged. Whether or not you've enjoyed the book, this pacy staging will sweep you into its world, offering a 21st century take on Victorian London at its most scandalous.
Sydney Theatre Company artistic director Kip Williams has pulled out all the stops on this one, with the show landing a slew of five-star reviews when it premiered in Australia (including ours!). Although Snook is alone on stage, this production is full of richness and complexity, using everything from video footage to incredible costume changes to bring its world to life.
If you're used to imagining Snook as a scheming businesswoman in ‘Succession’, get ready to see her in an altogether different way as she takes on the biggest acting challenge of her career. She'll swap genders and transcend age to play a whopping 26 roles, including handsome young Dorian Gray, infatuated artist Basil Hallward, tormented actress Sibyl Vane, and all the bit players who sweep through their bohemian world.
Ever looked in the mirror and been horrified by what you see? Or have you ever been infatuated with someone you can't have? Well, then you'll immediately relate to the themes of Wilde's story, which have lost none of their bite over a century on. ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a dark warning about the dangers of obsession, either with yourself or with someone else, glittering with a dark supernatural magic of its own.
‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a monumental feat of acting endurance for Snook, so understandably it's not a show that will run and run. Its 14 week engagement means you've only got a few weeks to see her enthral audiences at the 800-seat historic Haymarket Theatre Royal: act fast, and secure your spot at this one-off theatrical event.
