Succession’s Sarah Snook to Illuminate West End Stage in Dorian Gray Revival

Succession’s Sarah Snook to star in West End Dorian Gray

Introduction

Australian actress Sarah Snook, known for her role in the hit series Succession, is set to make her return to the London stage in a ground-breaking adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The acclaimed production, which was originally staged by the Sydney Theatre Company, will make its UK premiere in January at The Theatre Royal Haymarket. Directed and adapted by Kip Williams, the production uses a unique blend of video and theatre, with Snook playing all 26 characters.

A modern reworking of a timeless text

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a timeless tale of morality, innocence, narcissism, and consequence. In this adaptation, Kip Williams revolutionizes Wilde’s text by employing a collision of forms, utilizing video and theater in an intricately choreographed way. On-stage cameras bring to life each of the 26 characters, all portrayed by Snook. This modern reworking aims to hold a mirror to 21st-century society’s obsession with youth and beauty, exploring themes of excess and the consequences of making a deal with the devil.

The talented Sarah Snook

Sarah Snook, the critically acclaimed Australian actress, is set to captivate audiences with her portrayal of all the characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Snook has garnered global acclaim for her role as Shiv Roy in HBO’s hit series Succession. Throughout the show’s four seasons, she received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award and a Critics Choice Award. In Australia, Snook has also been recognized for her work in film and television, receiving two Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, a Logie Award nomination, and a Helpmann Award nomination.

Director’s vision

Director Kip Williams, known for his bold and innovative productions, is excited to share his adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a wider audience. Building upon Oscar Wilde’s remarkable story, Williams seeks to bring it to life in a way that resonates with contemporary society’s preoccupation with beauty and youth. Williams’ production, which had a successful run in Sydney, received critical and audience acclaim, garnering extensions and becoming one of the most talked-about theatrical events of 2020.

Producer’s excitement

The West End season of The Picture of Dorian Gray is produced by Michael Cassel, Adam Kenwright, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Daryl Roth, Amanda Lipitz, Henry Tisch, and Jonathan Church. Michael Cassel, one of the producers, expressed his excitement about bringing the transformative and entertaining production to a global audience. Co-producer Adam Kenwright praised the adaptation as a benchmark work of modern theater and thanked Theatre Royal Haymarket’s Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for their support in bringing the production to London.

Conclusion

The West End production of The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Sarah Snook, promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking theatrical experience. With its innovative approach to storytelling and powerful performances, this adaptation aims to bring Oscar Wilde’s timeless text to a new generation. The production’s exploration of themes such as vanity, morality, and the consequences of our actions holds striking resonance in today’s society. Theater lovers in London can anticipate a captivating and visually stunning performance when The Picture of Dorian Gray opens at The Theatre Royal Haymarket in January.