This is a stage adaptation of Will Self’s novel ‘Dorian’, itself a reworking of Oscar Wilde’s 19th century classic. Set a hundred years after Wilde’s original, and revolving around a group of hedonistic drug addicts, the narrative follows Wilde’s original characters but gives them a new lease of life. This is a slick and enthralling production that makes you recoil at times while depicting the dark debauchery, depravity and wantonness of the world presented before us. The clever use of multimedia and a versatile yet simple set enable a seamless transition through scenes, while dancing interludes take us to the heart of the 1980s with a sense of humour. Performances are gripping and the characters darkly hilarious.

Hill Street Theatre, 2-26 Aug, 9.45pm
tw rating 4/5 | [Ella Fryer-Smith]