Dorian Gray (Bourne)

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title: "Dorian Gray (Bourne)" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["contemporary-dance-in-the-united-kingdom", "ballets-by-matthew-bourne", "2008-ballets", "works-based-on-the-picture-of-dorian-gray"] topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Gray_(Bourne)" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

'*Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray''' is a contemporary dance adaptation of Oscar Wilde's 1890 novel, *The Picture of Dorian Gray'', by choreographer Matthew Bourne. The show made its debut in August 2008 at the Edinburgh International Festival and transferred to Sadler's Wells Theatre in London in September 2008. The music was composed by Terry Davies for a rock quintet directed from the keyboard. The set and costumes were designed by Lez Brotherston.

Modern setting

Various changes are made to the story, which Bourne sets in the modern fashion industry. In this setting, Dorian Gray is a model for a perfume promotion rather than the wealthy socialite of the original text. A billboard poster for the advertising campaign takes the place of the eponymous portrait, whilst Gray's mentor Lord Henry is replaced by the alluring Lady Henrietta. Cyril, a male ballet dancer, replaces Sybil, the actress who catches Dorian's eye in Wilde's novel.

Critical reception

''Dorian Gray'''s run at the Edinburgh International Festival sold over 11,000 tickets, making it the biggest selling dance event in the festival's history. Reviewers have generally praised the imaginative choreography, costume changes and staging.

References

References

  1. Tony Grew. (2008-04-03). "Bourne to debut Dorian Gray in Edinburgh". Pink News.
  2. Lynne Walker. (2008-07-23). "The really Wilde show: Matthew Bourne takes on Dorian Gray". The Independent.
  3. Debra Craine. (2008-06-26). "Matthew Bourne reworks Dorian Gray with looks to kill". The Times.
  4. Judith Mackrell. (2008-06-12). "Because Wilde's worth it". The Guardian.
  5. David Jays. (2008-04-06). "Matthew Bourne on Dorian Gray". The Sunday Times.
  6. Phil Miller. (September 2017). "Bourne's Dorian Gray breaks Festival record". The Herald.
  7. Mary Robb. (2008-08-30). "Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray". MusicalCriticism.com.
  8. Sanjoy Roy. (2008-08-25). "Edinburgh festival: Dorian Gray". The Guardian.

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