“… those who go beneath the surface, do so at their peril… As it is the spectator, and not art, that life really mirrors.”
Decima Theatre present their original adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The book is a gothic and philosophical musing on the corruption of innocence. As such, audiences follow the story of Dorian Gray who, when new to the high society of London, meets the artist Basil Hallward and has his portrait painted. Upon its unveiling Dorian is instantly in awe of his own good looks and unwittingly exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. It is then, under the guidance of his new friend Lord Henry Wotton, that Dorian begins to indulge his deepest and darkest desires. Whilst his soul grows old and warps, on the surface Dorian remains a charming gentleman in the eyes of polite society. Decima Theatre aims to bring a new lease of life to this classic tale. The cast is made up of six actors who will play a multitude of different characters in order to flesh out Wilde’s world in hopes that the audience will fall in love with this Victorian classic.
The Artistic Director of Decima Theatre, Joseph Mitchley, commented, “This version is unlike any I have seen before. Whist it remains faithful to Wilde’s story it will be told with modern sensibility using physical theatre, big character styles and multi-rolling. We are also aiming to draw out the natural humour and horror found in Wilde’s writing making it a truly exciting piece for today’s audiences.”
Decima Theatre is a brand new company founded in the Summer of 2018 with the vision of working with and supporting local emerging artists. The company strives to create exciting original work either from scratch or (in the case of their current production) by adapting a classic text. Decima Theatre aims to bring a sense of humour and imagination to their productions as they explore the conflicts of the human condition and the world in which we live. Whilst this is Decima Theatre’s debut play, it is not their first production. The company held an immersive event, A Very Victorian Extravaganza, at the Masonic Bar in September.
Heading up the direction of the play are Joseph Mitchley and Zara Marie Brown. The pair have collaborated a number of times together before under their previous theatre company, Script in Hand Productions. After a couple of plays, including a previous adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, they went their separate ways in order to further their creative development. Joseph chose to study Drama at Liverpool John Moores University whilst Zara forged her way as a freelancer gaining experience in the industry as a director, producer and stage manager working with companies such as Hope Street Limited, Daniel Taylor Productions and Falling Doors Theatre. Now the duo have reunited and a third member, Francesca Rebindaine (Liverpool John Moores University Drama alumni, actor and general theatre maker), has joined them to create Decima Theatre.
When asked about the production Benjamin Gray, who will be playing the part of Dorian Gray, said, “I was excited to find out the direction in which Decima Theatre would take this eponymous story of wit and woe. So far I have not been disappointed. The whole team have been welcoming and passionate about every aspect of the show, I’m ecstatic to realise this vision of debauchery with such a talented cast and crew”.
The cast is made up of the following actors: Benjamin D. Gray (Noir and Fake News – various Greater Manchester Fringe venues), Matthew Thomasson (Les Miserables – The Eccleston Theatre, Salford), James Dorman (The Reluctant Fundamentalist – National Youth Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Emma Webber (A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet – Daniel Taylor Productions, Epstein Theatre), Charlotte Cumming (Dracula and Merchant of Venice – Liverpool Fringe venues) and Joseph Mitchley (Sisters Grimm – Bespectacled Theatre, and 27 – Casting Aspersions, The Unity).
Audiences should be warned that the play contains flashing lights, scenes of a sexual nature, drug use, mild to moderate violence and smoking.
Tickets for Gray at the Hope Street Theatre from the 21st to the 24th November are priced at £8 (except for the performance on Wednesday 21st November when you “Pay what you decide on the night.)