Fionn Whitehead to star in new digital production of The Picture of Dorian Gray

Star of Dunkirk Fionn Whitehead will appear in the title role of a new digital streaming of The Picture of Dorian Gray from 16-31 March, co-produced by The Barn, Lawrence Batley and New Wolsey Theatres, Oxford Playhouse and Theatr Clwyd.

The contemporary reimagining of the Oscar Wilde classic reunites the creative team behind the critically acclaimed production of What A Carve Up!, adapted by Henry Filloux-Bennett and directed by Tamara Harvey.

The production tells the story through multiple forms including elements found in radio plays, films and documentaries, along with traditional theatrical techniques.

Set 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.

Filloux-Bennett and Harvey said: “So many of us have found ourselves living in an ever more online world over the last year. But the benefits and the connections digital have offered us come with a darker side - deterioration in mental health, isolation, online manipulation to name just a few. Following What a Carve Up! we really wanted to explore what would happen if you brought Oscar Wilde’s Faustian tale kicking and screaming into a world of Instagram, Facebook and dating apps.”

The producers are dedicated to supporting fellow theatres across the country during this unprecedented time and have announced that the following theatres will also be joining the production as partner venues: Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Arts At The Old Fire Station, artsdepot – North Finchley, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Bristol Old Vic, Guildhall Arts Centre – Grantham, Hertford Theatre, Mercury Theatre, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stamford Arts Centre, The Dukes, The Elgiva, The Lighthouse Theatre, The Lowry, The Torch, The Watermill Theatre, Theatre By The Lake, Theatre Royal Winchester and Watford Palace Theatre as well as the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

Casting and further creatives for the production will be announced at a later date.

The Picture of Dorian Gray will be available internationally and tickets can be purchased here.