University of Oxford Student Company, Cut-Out Star Productions presents a new theatrical adaptation of one of Oscar Wilde’s best-loved works. The Picture of Dorian Gray is at Oxford Playhouse from Wednesday to Saturday, October 22. Dorian Gray is the perfect youth, but in meeting Lord Henry Wotton he is persuaded to lose all morality.

Yet his sins remain hidden to the outside world, for it is only the picture of Dorian, painted by his friend Basil Hallward, which reveals the truth of his darkening soul . . .

Wilde’s story of tragic degeneration still intrigues and captivates audiences today, demonstrated in the recent film adaptation, starring Oscar-winner Colin Firth, and Matthew Bourne’s ballet production.

Co-directors and adapters of the production, Adam Scott Taylor and Lucinda Dawkins say: “The novel is full of rich dialogue, which has become a central part of our adaptation.

“It is as if Wilde were writing prose with a future play in mind; we aim to realise that early dramatic potential.”

The play brings together the best of the University of Oxford talent with actors who have trained with the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Court, a designer who will be working at the the Royal Opera House, and a choreographer who has worked at the National Theatre.

The adaptation aims to breathe new life into this classic by giving it a physical life on stage through integrated choreography set to an original score by Tom Stewart, whose work has been played at the Royal Festival Hall and on BBC3.

Tickets are available from the ticket office on 01865 305305 or book online at www.oxfordplay house.com