DORIAN GRAY to Run 16 April - 10 May at Riverside Studios

RUBY IN THE DUST presents DORIAN GRAY, adapted by Linnie Reedman from Oscar Wilde's novel, with Music and Lyrics by Joe Evans from April 16 - May 10 2014 at Riverside Studios.

When it was first published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray caused an outcry. Reviewers widely condemned Oscar Wilde's Faustian tale of aestheticism and duplicity, of hedonism and indulgence as "vulgar" and "unclean", "poisonous" and "discreditable", prompting W H Smith to pull copies of the magazine in which it was published from their bookshelves. Such was the public and critical reaction that Wilde subsequently attempted to moderate some of the more homoerotic references in the book and to simplify the book's moral message. Despite upsetting Victorian sensibilities, the novel, which tells the story of a handsome young man who somehow preserves his youthful beauty whilst his hidden portrait gradually reveals his inner ugliness, was to become a classic and has since inspired subsequent generations of musicians, filmmakers, artists and playwrights.

Adapted by Linnie Reedman with music and lyrics by Joe Evans, this adaptation - Dorian Gray recreates the dark, murky underbelly of late Nineteenth Century London - The tawdry theatres, burlesque bars, cabaret clubs and opium dens into which the eponymous anti-hero descends, far far away from the opera houses, the salons and the gentlemen's clubs that he likes to be seen in.

Ruby In The Dust's acclaimed adaptation began its life as a one night gala presentation in London's Café Royal. Just before it closed its doors for its major refurbishment, the venue was transformed to its heyday glory by taking the story back to its birthplace: staging the show, on Oscar Wilde's birthday, in the beautiful Domino Room - which was where Wilde would hold initial readings of his works, and dine with his lovers before his world was turned upside down by his trial and resulting imprisonment for acts of gross indecency.

Formed in 2006 by Young Vic genesis director Linnie Reedman and acclaimed composer/musical director Joe Evans, Ruby In The Dust has twelve productions under its belt, including shows both on the fringe and the West End and other site specific venues. Past credits include the critically praised The Great Gatsby Musical, Hutch (both at Riverside Studios), Miracle starring Susannah York and Tim Woodward, (St Andrew Church Crypt and Leicester Square Theatre) and Bonnie and Clyde (The King's Head Theatre).

To order, call the Box office 0208 237 1111 or visit www.riversidestudios.co.uk.

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