Theatre Review: The Portrait of Dorian Gray

The Play: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Where: Arts Centre, Playhouse

Until: 7 August

Stars: 6/5 - I'd give it more if I could.

I saw this twice. Once a couple of months ago from seat in the stalls with a restricted view, and again last night, from a seat in the dress circle with an unobstructed view. 

On both nights, there were multiple standing ovations. On both nights, flawless performances were given my the actresses on stage - I had the honour of seeing both Nikki Shields and Eryn Jean Norvill in in the titular roles. There was no difference. They were both superb. On both nights, the two hour performance felt like it went in a heartbeat. 

These actresses managed to portray over 26 characters over the two hours of the play. Some on stage, some pre-recorded, some with the help of digital filters...

It was just astounding. 

The following clip gives a bit more information about the concept by the writer and director - who's going to be up for every award under the sun after this. 

For those who don't know the story of Oscar Wilde's seminal book, Dorian Gray, a pretty youth, sells his soul for eternal youth - while his portrait, which remains in the attic, takes on every one of his excesses and sins. As Dorian's behaviour becomes more and more excessive, the portrait becomes more hideous. If you haven't read to book, it comes highly recommended. 

The stagecraft for this production is exemplary. With our wily actress is a crew of ten, who man steadycams, provide props, interact with the actress as she delivers the play. Some of the brilliance of this performance comes from the use of technology and audiovisuals - projecting the actress onto big screens, using various filters and props to change the characters. 

You know you're in for something special when you watch on a big screen the actress play both Basil the artist (with a paint brush in one hand) and Henry Wooton with a cigarette in the other. One person - two different people. 

The dinner party scene, where Dorian acts with six pre recorded random people is seemless. 

Everything in this production is choreographed down to the milisecond. 

Which makes this the most incredible theatre I've ever had the blessing to see. 

There was a small technical glitch last night - after a few minutes, they were back on track without missing a beat - testament to an experienced, professional crew. 

Eryn Jean Norvill and Nikki Sheilds are actresses of their time - both extraordinary in their capabilities. They embody each of the 26 characters equally. 

And Oscar Wilde's words and story are still as relevant today as they were a hundred and thirty years ago - Kip Williams script is mindblowingly good. 

This production is finishing tomorrow afternoon, but I'm very glad I got to see this twice. I loved having the different perspectives, from below, where you could appreciate the stagecraft as the crew and the actor bring this to life, the the view from above, where the audio visual excellence could be appreciated at its best.

For those who will miss this, I feel sorry for you. Theatre like this comes around once in a decade. I put this production up there with the MTC's Richard III, A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Brendan Fraser and Ned Beatty and Aiden Fennessy's The Architect. 

Utterly brilliant. You won't see better for many years to come. 

Today's song: