Dorian The Musical, Southwark Playhouse Borough Review

Written by Mia for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

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A dark and decadent story, Oscar Wilde’s Portrait of Dorian Gray has been delighting and shocking audiences for years. In Dorian the Musical, Linnie Reedman has taken this complex character and dropped him into the modern day music scene, complete with the toxic world of social media.

The show takes a while to get going, with the first few songs from composer Joe Evans underwhelming and the actors not quite finding their feet, especially with some of the duets, which feel forced. Then, halfway through Act I something clicks and things start to fall into place with some absolutely cracking songs, including “The Fire of Your Desire” and “Out of the Blue”. 

The actors are in the majority very good and the chemistry between them is spine tingling - testament to the work of intimacy director Hannah Rose Goalstone - it all feels so raw and dangerous, yet completely real and intimate. 

Alfie Friedman is perhaps a little weak as Dorian, but we do see him undergo real transformation from the naïve, damaged child, to someone with neither soul nor heart; this is done so simply with make-up but works well. It is a little less credible that none of the other actors age at all, but it’s hard to correctly age people in their 20s. 

Megan Hill bursts into life as Sibyl Vane and their performance is emotive and tender. This characterisation is also contrasted nicely when they appear as the confident, sultry Fabian in the second half.

Act II continues strongly with a sensational opening number (Blood and Vice) and the poignant “Where The Yellow Roses Grow” which really shows off the vocal versatility of George Renshaw who is a stunning singer. “Yet What Will Become of Me Now” is a very odd number with bizarre cymbal placement that does not work at all, while the production finale disappoints after such a promising buildup. 

Visually, it’s glam rock on cocaine, with gender fluid costumes that perfectly suit each character. Isabella van Braeckel has done an amazing job: Dorian’s outfits seem to be inspired by Harry Styles and it’s a pleasing nod to the singer. The portraits on the wall of fellow ‘Club 27’ members is also a nice touch. 

There is so much potential here, especially given such a talented cast and parts of this musical really are outstanding. Sadly the rest of the show just doesn’t deliver and the modern setting is not embraced as much as it could have been, particularly the link with social media.

Ultimately, the question comes down to whether or not Oscar Wilde would have approved. It’s safe to say, abso-f***ing-lutely!

At Southwark Playhouse until 10 August.

★ ★ ★