Dorian The Musical - Review

Queerness, glam rock, and incredible performances

Hey folks,

It’s been a while of silence from this space, but today I want to step in and do something different. This post is not an interview, and might be shorter than usual. It’s also not going to go live on the usual schedule, because I want to get it out there in the next few days before the show run ends. However I can’t not include it.

A couple of weeks ago I went all the way to London to see a small production at Southwark Playhouse. And I’m not sure I’ve ever loved a production more. All five actors involved in the production were incredible, and I predict they’ll go far.

For those who don’t know, this musical is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in the glam rock, rock n roll scene. And I DEVOURED it. Those are my niches, admittedly, but I also found that I couldn’t look away. I won’t spoil anything, but it’s worth seeing if anyone has chance.

There are some things I want to draw attention to: the show is advertised as a queer show… whatever you’re expecting, think QUEERER. Both within the show and out of it, since notably the programme includes all actors’ pronouns as standard and is deliberately very respectful of everyone’s identities. There are also a list of trigger warnings for the show on their website (I advise checking them). I swear, this show made me want to return to theatre.

The theatre was small, which gave an incredible, intimate experience, and if I was still in London I would be asking if they needed volunteers. It was such a beautiful space. And then you have the show itself. The talent on stage was undeniable, and entirely worth a train journey down the country. If I could see it again, I would.

While I’m aware this post will be going on when the run of the show has almost ended, I want to still shout about it. I want people to know that it happened, it was amazing, and we should support shows like this. I ALSO want to support the Southwark Playhouse in general, and the actors in the show. If this is what they’re doing with five actors for this show, I’m ready to see what they do next, and you should be too.

Please support this theatre and production if you can!

Links

Website: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/

Trailer: