The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Kip Williams

Genres: Plays

102 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2024

Reviews

[Isaura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of one person plays, not a fan of using a “time jump” from period to modernity. I like the story of dorian gray, but I just fear nothing can beat the original. Ever

[zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

"the soul is a terrible reality. it can be bought, sold, and bartered away. it can be poisoned, or made perfect. there is a soul in each one of us. i know it. the task of one's life is to cling on to the soul, as the darkness tries to rip it away."

really, really good. i do appreciate how kip's words only amplify and add to what wilde is saying, even if it sometimes feels as though it's spelling it out just a littleee bit too much (to me, at least). i think the beauty of dorian gray is how it's an accessible read, but still requires a lot of pondering from the reader. there's so much to interpret in each phrase.

there's so much clear brilliance in the staging, and this truly seems to be a play adaptation that needs to be seen live to be fully realized and rated. there's just so much going on and i can only hope we'll see a recorded version of this in cinemas sometime soon. what sarah snook is doing is too good not to be cemented on film and made accessible to all.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It has been the great gift to sit in dialogue with Wilde's mind whilst writing this play. I hope it is for you, like it has been for me, and as it is for Basil, Dorian and Wilde, a story that helps you see within it the secret of your soul.”
- Kip Williams

I don’t think it is possible for me to put into words how incredible it was to watch this performance, and reading the script afterwards only added to the immense admiration I have for Kip Williams and Sarah Snook. If you are able to see the play, see it, if you are able to read the script, read it. I have no doubt that this will forever be regarded as a masterclass in theatre.

[William Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not merely a staging, but a complete retelling. Kip and Wilde weave together a story so compelling in its beauty and devastating in its despair, that it is difficult to think on a play with more insight and value than Dorian. It is a piece of work that has to be witnessed to fully conceptualise, but remains a joy to read. Kip's forest scene and understanding of Dorian's psychology adds a modern richness to Wilde's work. The book is condensed into two hours and I cannot say that any value is lost.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kip brilliantly blends his voice with Oscar's

[Julie Oxendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A face without a heart"

[Mihalis Kaloudis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it right after I watched the play at London's Royal Haymarket Theatre with Sarah Snook. Relived the play, understood it even better; both the script and the performance were outstanding.

[Kerrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but I think I need to see it live to experience it in full!

[sina · Rating 5 out of 5]

a masterpiece on stage and on paper