The Picture of Dorian Gray; Succession’s Sarah Snook to play 26 roles at Theatre Royal, Haymarket

Having concluded the sensational final series of HBO titan ‘Succession’ and having given birth to her daughter earlier this year, Australian actress Sarah Snook seems very content with keeping herself very busy. At least that would seem to be the case as the actress has been announced for the Theatre Royal, Haymarket’s season of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray,’ Oscar Wilde’s only published novel.

What marks her performance during this season as remarkable however is that the former Siobhan “Shiv'' Roy actress will be undertaking all 26 roles in the production, which makes its way from a successful run in Australia to the United Kingdom in January 2024 for a 12 week run. Its previous run in Australia, produced by the Sydney Theatre Company, was met with critical acclaim, though Snook did not perform in that run - instead, the actress involved was one Eryn Jean Norvill.

Speaking to the BBC, Snook said “I'm so excited by the prospect of returning to the stage again, let alone a stage in the West End. Bringing a show to an international audience, to a theatre Oscar Wilde would no doubt have frequented, is thrilling, and demands a high calibre of theatrical experience to be worthy of the venture."

"The Picture of Dorian Gray is just that, and I'm honoured to be joining the team that created it. To be asked to play these multiple roles is an exhilarating challenge I can't wait to get into,” she added.

Ahead of her performance on the West End, Snook can be seen in the Apple TV+ comedy-drama ‘The Beanie Bubble,’ based on the book ‘The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute’ by Zac Bissonnette and featuring Zach Galifianakis in the lead role.

What is Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ about?

‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a novel written by Oscar Wilde and first published in 1890. It tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes the subject of a remarkable portrait painted by the talented artist Basil Hallward. Dorian, enthralled by his own youthful beauty and influenced by the hedonistic Lord Henry Wotton, wishes that the portrait would age and bear the marks of time instead of himself. Miraculously, his wish is granted, and he remains eternally young and unblemished while the portrait ages and reflects the consequences of his immoral actions.

As the story unfolds, Dorian delves into a life of debauchery, pursuing pleasure without regard for the consequences. He indulges in various vices, leading to a decay of his character and the corruption of his soul. Throughout the novel, the portrait serves as a powerful symbol of Dorian's hidden sins and the price he pays for his immoral choices. The story explores themes of morality, the pursuit of beauty and pleasure, and the destructive nature of unchecked desires, ultimately culminating in a haunting and tragic conclusion.

Who are the 26 characters Sarah Snook is set to perform?

The 26 notable characters that appeared in the novel and are set to be performed by Sarah Snook are as follows:

• Dorian Gray - The protagonist, a young man whose portrait ages while he remains eternally youthful.
• Lord Henry Wotton - A hedonistic and influential aristocrat who corrupts Dorian with his cynical views on life.
• Basil Hallward - A talented artist who paints the portrait of Dorian Gray and becomes infatuated with him.
• Sibyl Vane - A beautiful actress and Dorian's love interest.
• James Vane - Sibyl's brother, a sailor who becomes suspicious of Dorian's intentions.
• Lady Victoria Wotton - Lord Henry's wife.
• Alan Campbell - A chemist and former lover of Dorian's who becomes involved in a dark secret.
• Adrian Singleton - A former friend of Dorian's who falls into addiction and degradation.
• Duchess of Monmouth - A high-society figure who frequently hosts parties.
• Lady Agatha - A noblewoman who attends one of Dorian's parties.
• Lady Narborough - A society lady who enjoys gossip.
• Lady Gwendolen - A woman whom Dorian plans to marry but ultimately rejects.
• Mr. Isaacs - An art collector who desires to buy the portrait of Dorian Gray.
• Mr. Hubbard - A man who witnesses the changes in Dorian's portrait.
• Mrs. Vane - Sibyl and James Vane's mother.
• Mrs. Leaf - Dorian's housekeeper.
• Mr. Chapman - A lawyer who assists Dorian with legal matters.
• Victor - Dorian's servant.
• Alan Campbell's butler - A witness to Dorian's dark secret.
• Duchess of Harley - A noblewoman who attends Dorian's parties.
• Lady Alice - A woman who socialises with Dorian.
• Mrs. Vandeleur - A society woman who hosts parties.
• Mr. Erskine - A friend of Basil Hallward who meets Dorian at a dinner party.
• Sir Geoffrey Clouston - A friend of Basil's who witnesses the changes in Dorian's portrait.
• Lady Brandon - A noblewoman who hosts parties.
• Lady Henry - Lord Henry's sister.

Where can I get tickets to see Sarah Snook perform ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’?

‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ begins its run at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket from January 23 2024 until April 13 2024, with performances taking place at 7:30pm on Monday through to Saturday, with matinee performances every Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30pm.

Tickets can be purchased through the Royal Theatre’s website, and range from £25 per person, subject to a booking fee.