Dorian: The Musical Review

‘Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic’ – Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

ONIN recently reviewed Dorian: The Musical, currently performing at Southwark Playhouse. Written in 1891, Oscar Wilde’s gothic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a young man and his friends obsessed with beauty and the ‘ultimate sensation’ which forces them to reassess their lives. In Dorian The Musical- a modern queer musical retelling- the focus is Dorian’s struggle with self-perception. Set within the music industry, Dorian is reinvented as a 21st century rock singer with Baz as the photographer and Lord Henry as his producer. This retelling forces us to reflect on celebrity culture, social media, ambition and self-image.

Linnie Reedman (book, lyrics and director) has made some notable changes such as Lord Henry’s wife having a more prominent role and Fabian is non-binary. Considering the original was written in a time when homosexuality was a crime, sex was the subtext but with this adaptation it’s all in the open which does mean we sometimes don’t care for the characters as much as we should.

Dorian The Musical is set to a rock score with music and lyrics by Joe Evans. There’s even a rock concert scene complete with guitar solo and red lighting. Alfie Friedman (Dorian) and George Renahaw’s (Harry aka Lord Henry) duet ‘Son of Life and Death’ was a highlight, as was ‘The Devil’s Bargain’ which is Friedman’s duet with Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (Victoria).

Friedman shows Dorian’s ascent from unknown to world famous star well but whose descent to breaking point I needed to see more of and more gradually to really feel for Dorian. Renshaw gives a good performance as the smooth and swanky producer while Lewis-Dodson gave a confident performance as the sassy Victoria. The cast includes Leroy Boone as Baz Hallwood, Megan Hill as Fabian/ Sibyl, and Rhys Lambert as ensemble.

The stage is a chaise lounge and table, and the band plays under a mezzanine level that is used for a couple of scenes. Due to the nature of Southwark Playhouse the audience surrounds three sides, which does give an intimate feel for some scenes, but also means that the emotional moment of a some is undercut by an actor laying there with a sheet over them. Guitars and record albums are on the back wall, and in the theatre are portraits of artists who are part of club 27 (the nickname for artists who died at 27) which reinforces the musical’s themes. The gender fluid costumes also reinforce the themes of freedom, expression and desire for beauty. The costumes seem mostly 80s rock glam but includes flowery kimonos, cowboy boots, lace and leather.

I enjoyed this production, as did those I spoke to after the performance. It has made me want to finish the original novel.

Dorian runs until 10th August 2024. Performing Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm and Tuesday and Saturday at 3pm. Tickets are £28 Standard and £24 Concession. Run time is 145 mins including interval.