Review: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
26 characters, 1 actor...this is The Picture of Dorian Gray as you've never seen it before and arguably never will again.
Based on the novel by Oscar Wilde, Kip Williams has adapted the story into a one-woman show. First published in 1890, Williams - who also directs - has combined live performance and video to bring this cautionary tale well and truly into the twenty-first century. The story revolves around aristocrat Dorian Gray, specifically a portrait of him painted by his friend, Basil Hallward. Through Hallward, Dorian meets hedonist Lord Henry Wotton whose worldview corrupts our lead as he expresses his desire to sell his soul so that the portrait will age rather than him. The wish magically comes true and Dorian pursues a libertine lifestyle and quickly loses touch with the consequences of his actions.
‘She will make the world as mad as she has made me’ and Sarah Snook must be mad for taking on the insane challenge that is this play, which would be more accurately described as a piece of performance art. Snook is not the first women to perform an outstanding and impactful one woman show; Jodie Comer in Prima Facie comes to mind. She is not the first actor to play all the parts, just last year Andrew Scott did the same in a production of Chekov’s Vanya. However, the variety of characters and technical elements we witnessed on the stage of the Theatre Royal Haymarket last night meant that The Picture of Dorian Gray rises above the rest.
Sarah Snook is a true tour de force. The physicality and vocal agility she displays as she seamlessly transitions between characters is exceptional. A show such as this could become incredibly confusing but there is never any doubt who she is playing at any specific moment. Our hearts were in our mouths for the duration of the show as Snook rattled through the two hours displaying extraordinary vocal range and cadence. She maintains an incredible pace despite the occasional stumble, but it is early in the run and no one is totally perfect...although Snook’s performance comes close.
Sarah Snook is undoubtedly the star of the show but this production would be nothing without the phenomenal crew, who took multiple well-deserved bows alongside Snook. Kip Williams has crafted a an extraordinarily gripping and explosive show. His choices are brilliantly bold and thrillingly unpredictable. We are wary to give away too much as some of the impact of this show comes from the variety of ways the story is told. So let’s just say that you may not be surprised to see puppets, cardboard cutouts and a mind-blowing sequence that uses a phone and filters.
The show has been choreographed, and of course rehearsed, to perfection to ensure all the cameras, set, costume and wig changes are seamless. The work of the whole creative team is outstanding. There are five screens that descend from the ceiling to allow Snook to act with pre-recorded versions of herself. David Bergman’s video design is ingenious and at one point, we could count seven versions of Snook depicted on stage. Marg Horwell has designed glorious costumes and outrageous wigs. Her sensational set design pairs with Nick Schlieper’s lighting and Clemence Williams’ contemporary and classical soundtrack to guide us through this ‘Wilde’ show.
It is only February but The Picture of Dorian Gray is sure to be one of the theatrical events of the year! Snook is the epitome of talent and delivers an unforgettable performance which ensures that this ambitious, inventive and avant-garde show is totally unmissable!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
The Picture of Dorian Gray plays at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 11 May, with further information here.