AN all-star cast including Stephen Fry and Joanne Lumley is set to bring Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Grey to Bolton audiences.
The Bolton theatre will be presenting a new digital production of the classic, which is brought bang up-to-date as it's set in today’s era of social media and picture perfect influencers.
Octagon artistic director Lotte Wakeham said: “We’re delighted The Octagon is one of several partner venues presenting this new digital production for our audiences.
“I can’t wait to see this modern, dark and provocative re-telling of Oscar Wilde’s novel brought to life online by this stellar cast of actors, which includes relative newcomers such as Emma McDonald alongside household names including Joanna Lumley and Stephen Fry.
"I think the production will be perfect for audience members who enjoy TV shows such as Black Mirror or Sex Education, and who want to experience a very '21st century' twist to this classic story, from the comfort of their own homes.”
Joining Dunkirk star Fionn Whitehead in the title role, are Alfred Enoch as Harry Wooton, Joanna Lumley as Lady Narborough, Emma McDonald as Sibyl Vane and Russell Tovey as Basil Hallward, with Stephen Fry as the Interviewer.
The Faustian classic is brought into a world of Instagram, Facebook and dating apps.
Set in a profile pic-obsessed, filter-fixated world, the contemporary take follows influencer Dorian Gray as he makes a deal for his social star never to fade.
Director Tamara Harvey added: “When trying to tell stories in Covid times, with very few resources and almost no time, the thing you need from your cast more even than talent is a spirit of collaboration, combined with patience, kindness and large doses of humour.
"Every member of our cast for Dorian Gray brought that and more. They are not only ridiculously talented but also – perhaps even more importantly – they’re all genuinely lovely people, which has made the making of this piece a joy.”
The production will run for two weeks from March 16 to 31 and tickets, priced at £12 and including a digital programme, are on-sale now and can be purchased at www.pictureofdoriangray.com/bolton
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