Friday 29 May 2015

Oscar Wilde classic - adapted by his grandson - comes to Greenwich tonight

A fresh interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s most famous work, adapted by his grandson and directed by a Greenwich man, opens in Greenwich tonight.


European Arts Company’s version of The Picture of Dorian Gray - at Greenwich Theatre from tonight until Sunday (May 31) - is timed to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the story’s publication and is written by Wilde’s grandson, Merlin Holland.
The play’s story will already be familiar to many: set in the decadent world of Victorian London, a beautiful young man called Dorian Gray becomes infatuated by the exquisite portrait that Basil Hallward has painted of him. He makes a Faustian pact that he will remain forever young while the picture grows old.

Actor and director Peter Craze, 68, who has lived in Westcombe Park with actor wife Illona Linthwaite for 36 years, is directing the show’s 10 week tour.
Peter said: “I’d helped the company, European Arts, on one of their productions for a couple of days as an emergency and they seemed to like my style.
“Then last year we did a big production of The Trials of Oscar Wilde compiled by Merlin Holland, Oscar Wilde’s grandson, and producer John O’Connor.
“We filled Greenwich Theatre and after the Trafalgar Studios saw it, we transferred to the West End.”
He added: “It’s a difficult play to stage because so much of it is in the imagination, particularly the boy looking at the ageing picture. But I think we’ve got it and Guy Warren-Thomas as Dorian Gray is just terrific.
“There’s a very nice ending which works theatrically, but I won’t give it away.”
The Picture of Dorian Gray is at Greenwich Theatre from May 29 to 31. Tickets cost £18.50 or £16 concessions. The performance on May 31 is in aid of Stonewall, with 30 per cent of box office income donated to charity. Go togreenwichtheatre.org.uk