Watford Palace Theatre – until October 3rd 2026
Reviewed by Mike Linane
4****
Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is a pretty well-known story. An extremely good looking young man has his portrait painted and then does a deal with the devil that the portrait will age whilst he himself retains his youthful looks for the rest of his life. Only he knows about this. He takes his portrait and keeps it in his attic never allowing anyone else to see it ever again. Only he knows its secret.
Jack Crumlin’s portrayal of Dorian is that of a young man so charismatic that he takes everyone he means in with his charm and beauty. They become completely smitten with and mesmerised by him. Crumlin does this well helped along by Sean Aydon’s adaptation of Wilde’s original wit and sparkling comedy that eventually turns into a psychological horror.
As we watch Gray’s journey through life we ask ourselves if the only reason we don’t do bad things is because we fear of the consequences of doing so. What would we do if we thought we could get away with it?
This is a story of corruption, guilt and self-destruction.
Aydon also directs this production and lets the tension and horror build to a terrifying climax.
The set by Sarah Beaton is impressive as it heavily features the beauty and decay of the story. A large, tarnished mirror dominates the back of the stage on which we can only sees parts of the story reflected in line with the portrait in the attic only ever being seen by Dorian himself. A few antique pieces of furniture but more modern-day clothing worn by the cast gives the piece a timeless quality. This story could so easily be taking place in today’s society where artificial looks and personality still mean so much more than intellect and compassion and where we are under constant pressure to present a certain version of ourselves to the world.
The rest of the cast comprising Mark Hawkins, Mark Octoby, Lydia Whitehead, Lydea Perkins, Ayesha Griffiths and Max Burnett ably support to bring this story to life ensuring that we never really like Dorian Gray and their characters have all of our sympathies.
This is a thumping good night at the theatre that will leave you wondering just how far you would be prepared to go achieve your ultimate dream.