Currently playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough, Dorian: The Musical is a striking piece of new musical theatre skilfully explores the dark side of eternal youth with a modern twist. A fully 21st-century production of the Victorian classic incorporates rock music and social media while remaining true to the bohemian thrill of the original.
This modern fairy-tale follows Dorian Gray, a wannabe rockstar with grandiose dreams who strikes a dangerous bargain to achieve success. Inspired by the classic Oscar Wilde novel, this musical retelling explores the heartache as Dorian faces the prospect of eternal glory which opens a Pandora’s Box of love, lust, and corruption. This show gives the Gothic story a glam-rock twist as the young musician is pulled in every direction by his fans, record producers, photographers - slowly warping his impressionable mind.
This modern fairy-tale follows Dorian Gray, a wannabe rockstar with grandiose dreams who strikes a dangerous bargain to achieve success. Inspired by the classic Oscar Wilde novel, this musical retelling explores the heartache as Dorian faces the prospect of eternal glory which opens a Pandora’s Box of love, lust, and corruption. This show gives the Gothic story a glam-rock twist as the young musician is pulled in every direction by his fans, record producers, photographers - slowly warping his impressionable mind.
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| Alfie Friedman in Dorian: The Musical. Photo by Danny Kaan |
Is Dorian cursed? Has he sold his soul - and can he save it? We follow him on the quest for his true identity as he falls further and further into the belief that to love him is to die. Is it too late to change the course of life for “The King Of Black Hearts”, as his adoring fans call him?
We caught up with Alfie Friedman who plays Dorian in the production.
Where did your arts career begin?
I initially wanted to be an astronomer or physician, as physics was always something I not only was really good at in school but was OBSESSED with; the cosmos and it’s many meanings always intrigued me. But I remember getting lost in the corridors at my primary school, and walking into a drama class I wasn’t meant to be in. I apologised, but the teacher asked me to stay, and even offered for me to direct the four kids in that class… I was only 12, but after just a few seconds of watching people make magic out of nothing, I was hooked. Art and Drama immediately took a hold of my life, because without them I simply couldn’t be me. The moment I was done with education, I went straight into the arts, and after getting the 50 nos, I finally got a “YES!” via “The Undeclared War,” and I have found not only a career but my truest self through this incredible form of communication ever since. I found MY meaning, and I found community. I’m so grateful.
Were there any people or performances that had a big impact on your formative years?
Charlie Chaplin. I remember watching “The Kid” from 1921 as a little boy, only to knot my entire body around my papa’s arm and yell “DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME AWAY” when the police officers in the movie tried to take the child away from The Tramp. That really showed me the power a performer can have over the human spirit, and what they can activate. I don’t know because I was so young, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that movie was the reason I wanted to tell stories. Outside of the acting, though, Stephen Sondheim partially funded my education when my mother notoriously went through cancer and was fighting her own battles, leading to me learning about his music and reading up on his books. He ended up mentoring me, and assisting me with ideas in relation to my writing. His influence supported me in my pursuits of creating an original musical, “Cosmonauts,” which will be workshopped later this year. I’m lucky beyond belief.
What first attracted you to Dorian: The Musical?
The complexity of Dorian Gray's character and the timeless themes of vanity, morality, and the corrupting influence of art were incredibly compelling. But once I understood that we were translating the ideas rather than replicas of the story, I was sold. It’s a completely bizarre story that doesn’t take place in any particular time period; it’s simply about a group of people who are desperate for love, and at the centre of it is this brooding, lonely young man. The idea of shifting such a rich narrative into a rock musical format intrigued me, offering a fresh and dynamic way to explore the story.
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| Alfie Friedman in Dorian: The Musical. Photo by Danny Kaan |
What is your creative process like for taking on a part like Dorian?
Dorian allegedly feels nothing. So the dichotomy for me has been found in the relationships between the characters; he has to learn from and be introduced to many concepts by the crazy cast of characters, but he has to be firm in his own beliefs and way of life. He’s an “immovable object” that still somehow moves. So I suppose the process has been really engaging with what makes a narcissist tick; he wants love, but he punishes people for loving him… He won’t typically look at people in the eye, but he will if they challenge him… Why? Keeping him confident but curious is the only way I’ve been able to get through this type of role. And ALWAYS asking “why?” allows him to stay human.
Do you or will you go back to Oscar Wilde's original novel prior to the run?
In a little bit… I considered reading up on it for the role, but I wanted to interpret the script in hand and not the original text. They’re very different. It’s a beautiful novel, though.
Why do you believe this story has become so beloved by readers and audiences?
The Picture of Dorian Gray resonates with readers and audiences because it explores universal themes such as the pursuit of beauty, the consequences of one's actions, and the nature of the soul. Wilde's witty and thought-provoking writing also adds layers of intrigue and depth to the narrative. You can’t help but laugh at how accurately he captures the human spirit… Hell, we’ve even got a musical of it now. Must say something, right?
Why do you think this story makes for a good musical?
The emotional intensity and dramatic arcs within the story lend themselves well to musical adaptation. Music can amplify the emotional stakes and bring a new dimension to the characters' experiences. The rock musical format, in particular, adds a modern and edgy twist that can engage contemporary audiences. The score also crosses many genres over almost a century of music, which equally lends itself to the narratives of time and sense of self.
If you were able to ask Oscar Wilde one question about the character or the story, what would you ask him?
I would ask Oscar Wilde what he believes ultimately redeems or damns Dorian Gray's soul. Or maybe if he was born cursed…
If you were stranded on a desert island but you could have three musical theatre soundtracks with you, what would you take and why?
1. Sunday in the Park with George – for its endlessly epic and beautiful music and lyrics.
2. Ragtime – for its innovative blend of history and in your face storytelling.
3. The Light in the Piazza – for showcasing musical theatre at its best; a beam of light for communication and diversity amongst all odds and classes.
If you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?
I would be a chocolate chip cookie – balanced, and loved by many… Hopefully…
What keeps you inspired?
People. All people. And my love for my family.
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| Alfie Friedman and Leeroy Boone in Dorian: The Musical. Photo by Danny Kaan |
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing Dorian: The Musical?
I hope audience members leave with a renewed appreciation for how complex and otherworldly love can be, and that feeling alone is a fundamental part of the human experience… I also hope they have fun.
Dorian: The Musical runs at Southwark Playhouse Borough until Saturday 10th August 2024. Tickets are available from https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/dorian-the-musical/
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