Russell Tovey and Stephen Fry to star in new version of The Picture of Dorian Gray

Words: Jamie Tabberer; picture: Attitude/Markus Bidaux

Russell Tovey, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley are to appear in a new version of Oscar Wilde’s classic story The Picture of Dorian Gray.

The 16+ online stage production, themed around social media and the rise of the influencer, will be written by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Tamara Harvey.

Filmed at the Barn Theatre, it will be screened online from 16-31 March. For more information and to book your ticket, click here.

The aforementioned acting legends will be joined by Fionn Whitehead in the title role and Emma McDonald as Sibyl Vane.

Joanna will play Lady Narborough while Russell will play Basil Hallward, with Stephen as ‘The Interviewer’.

“A profile pic-obsessed, filter-fixated world”

On its official website, the plot is described suchly: ‘In a profile pic-obsessed, filter-fixated world where online and reality blur, influencer Dorian Gray makes a deal. For his social star never to fade. For the perfect self he broadcasts to the world to always remain.

‘But as his mental health starts to decline, as corruption and murderous depravity start to creep into his world, the true and horrific cost of his deal will soon need to be met.’

Gay icon Oscar, who died in 1900, first released The Picture of Dorian Gray in 1890. It has become a classic of English literature .

Joanna is of course known for her iconic role as Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous, as well as the likes of The New Avengers. 

Russell, who won the Attitude Culture Award last year, is known for shows like Looking and Years & Years, while Attitude Icon Award-winner Stephen is known for portraying Oscar Wilde in hit movie Wilde.

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