Review: DORIAN GRAY, Old Joint Stock Theatre Birmingham, April 22 2016

Following their critically acclaimed production of A Clockwork Orange last year, Tin Robot Theatre are currently giving Dorian Gray a unique presentation at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham this week. Based on Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, this contemporary theatre company has brought the well-known story forward in time from its original setting, to the golden age of Hollywood cinema. Rather than title character Dorian Gray being the subject of a painting, here he is a glowing star of motion pictures; but still with an almighty ego and identity crisis.

Tin Robot Theatre is incredibly good at wholly immersing audiences into a setting, prior to the performance beginning. Before getting to your seats, there is an interactive walk through the backstage of a film studio, featuring actors preparing for their close-ups and creative teams buzzing around ensuring a soundstage is set up for the next take. The re-telling of this gothic novel slips effortlessly into the film genre and correlations can be drawn at every point as the story unfolds.

With a mere white backdrop, all attention is on the strength of the acting and storytelling. The audience is sat on two sides with much of the action directed between the two seating blocks. There are only a few different lighting states but these are strong enough to reflect the setting; even if a little more face light is desired at times. In your peripheral vision, there are also actors cleverly providing sound effects to support the dialogue. Although they can be seen, their actions do not detract from the central scene.

This five-hander is a true ensemble piece with each person contributing equally. The script is very engaging and all members of the cast draw you in for the hour-long interpretation. Joel Heritage's Dorian is a complicated character. With his chiseled classic movie star looks, he certainly looks the part but a more defined emotional journey would have been beneficial. Adam Carver also plays the film director Basil whose infatuation with Dorian is very clear. Whether it be a professional or personal admiration, his characterisation is truthful and is incredibly interesting. Producer Harry Wotton, played by Jack Robertson, has a commanding presence and authoritative spirit with Touwa Craig-Dunn and Grace Hussey-Burd fulfilling the roles of Jim and Sibyl Vane successfully. Accents infrequently go astray but the company ultimately succeeds in creating the scenes in Dorian's stream of consciousness.

A well thought out and captivating performance.

Dorian Gray plays at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 23rd April.

Photo credit: Adam Carver

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