Who was Dorian Gray?
Volunteer Tom Griffiths explores the story behind the famous novel ahead of Box Tale Soup’s performance of The Picture of Dorian Gray playing at The Horton on Thursday 27th February.
In the 1891 Oscar Wilde novel, Gray is depicted as a vain young man who is enchanted by the hedonistic lifestyle of an aristocrat called Lord Henry Wotton. Gray impulsively decides to sell his soul so that he stays young forever. The means of doing so are through a portrait of Gray that will age and fade rather than himself. Gray keeps the portrait in his attic, while he enjoys a lifestyle of scandal and debauchery. However, as the lifestyle of Gray becomes more decadent, the portrait paints more of an ugly picture.
The Picture of Dorian Gray provoked a substantial amount of comment in its time, as it was seen to breach moral sensibilities relating to public morality that was commonplace in Victorian Britain.
As time has passed by, the novel has stood the test of time and has been adapted into many different mediums including the 2009 film adaptation.
So, what exactly will the portrait reveal? You’ll find out if you join us on Thursday 27th February at 8pm for a unique production of The Picture of Dorian Gray, from theatre company Box Tale Soup.
With tickets at a starting price of £20, you won’t be disappointed when you see the conclusion of this conflicting tale of superficiality and wisdom.
Tom Griffiths, February 2025
