From the moment I saw a Kim Kardashian quote in the programme, I knew I was in for a wild(e) ride. This isn’t your grandmother’s Dorian Gray, darlings. “Dorian: The Musical” is a glittering, ballad/rock spectacle that would have Oscar himself raising an eyebrow and reaching for his absinthe (and he would probably approve the queer aspect of the story finally displayed so openly). Such a delightful variation of the classic tale!
Dorian in Today’s World
“Dorian: The Musical” brings Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” into today’s world (but is it? See the last paragraph for my thoughts), where Dorian becomes a famous rock star. As he skyrockets to fame, he starts to see the dark side of having everything he ever wanted.
The story dives into themes of staying forever young, the obsession with oneself, and the emptiness that can come with living out your wildest dreams. Set in the flashy and cutthroat music industry, the story gives a fresh look at Wilde’s ideas about beauty, corruption, and unchecked indulgence. While Dorian’s public image stays young and perfect, his real self grows more twisted and morally corrupt, leading to a dramatic ending.
Costume Extravaganza
Let’s start with the costumes, shall we? Oh, what a feast for the eyes! The designers have clearly taken Wilde’s famous quote “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art” to heart. The stage is awash with flowery kimonos, diaphanous shirts adorned with pearls, and cowboy boots that would make even the most flamboyant rock star green with envy. It’s as if Jim Morrison and Harry Styles had a fashion love child, and I’m here for it. With every scene I found myself waiting in anticipation to see another costume reveal – even more than to see the actual picture of Dorian!
Musical Brilliance
The music, composed by Joe Evans, is another standout feature. Since “Lizzie” rocked another Playhouse venue, I’ve been craving a good rock musical, and “Dorian” delivers in spades. From a couple of pulsating glam rock numbers to many soul-stirring ballads, the score is varied and even delivers some numbers that I’d love to play on repeat on my Spotify (it’s not just rock though, so if your main motivation to see this show is to listen to glam rock, think again). I think this music variety is beneficial – it allows for a more nuanced exploration of characters’ emotions and internal conflicts, adding depth to Dorian’s transformation and the overall narrative.
And yes, there’s even a proper rock concert scene complete with a face-melting guitar solo by the on-stage band’s guitarist. It’s enough to make you want to trade your soul for eternal youth and a record deal.
Standout Performances
Speaking of characters, this adaptation brings Wilde’s creations firmly into the XXIst century. Victoria (Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson), a fascinating blend of Morticia Addams’ icy demeanor and Kim Kardashian’s work ethic, steals every scene she’s in. Victoria’s emotional solo in the second act left me clutching my pearls (and wishing I’d worn some). Lewis-Dodson’s emotional solo in the second act, staged like a concert, left me clutching my pearls (and wishing I’d worn some).
And Alfie Friedman’s Dorian? His performance is a tour de force, capturing Dorian’s transformation from a naive innocent to a cold-blooded hedonist with chilling precision. It’s a journey that would make even Wilde himself say, “I wish I’d thought of that.” Vocally, Friedman’s duets with Renshaw (“Son of Love and Death”) and Lewis-Dodson (“The Devil’s Bargain”) were standout moments, with all three voices perfectly complementing each other.
George Renshaw’s portrayal of Harry is refreshingly unexpected and packed with sex appeal. His Harry is a hedonist driven by money, but he sticks with Dorian until the very end. Despite starting off cold, he manages to show what feels like real emotions, making his character complex and intriguing.
Missed Opportunities
However, no rose is without its thorns. I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of social media’s role in modern narcissism. After all, isn’t Instagram the modern equivalent of Dorian’s portrait? In the musical, Dorian openly rejects social media, which just doesn’t seem coherent with his character. And there are no smartphones in sight – how come, if the action happens somehow in the modern times? A missed opportunity, perhaps?
To sum up, it’s a fun show, but I can see it being a marmite experience to most audiences. The marketing may have overhyped the “glam rock” aspect, which could be misleading. However, I would gladly see this play again, if only for the fabulous costume display. If you’re open to a creative reinterpretation of the original material, you might enjoy it too.
Don’t miss this portrait of modern excess—unlike Dorian’s picture, it won’t be around forever.
Dorian: The Musical
4 JUL – 10 AUG 2024
Southwark Playhouse Borough
Running Time: 145 mins including interval
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