Oscar Wilde’s infamous and only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has been transformed into an engaging, theatrical experience by the Alchemic Order’s Artistic Director, Samuel Orange. The Alchemic Order consider The Picture of Dorian Gray to be one of the most important works of western literature. In our adaptation, a reappraisal of the metaphysical premise of the novel paves the way for a new theatrical experience.
By converting his Georgian townhouse into Dorian’s residence, in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Samuel’s adaptation will transport you to the luxurious, languid and licentious world of Wilde & his characters as you are invited on a journey through time, space and imagination, from aristocratic Victoriana to the decadent underworld of a gothic nightmare and beyond.
The Alchemic Order request the pleasure of your company at Mr. Gray's London Townhouse from 2nd to 20th December for an intimate and unforgettable evening of seasonal delights, with all the trimmings. 2-20th December. Book here.
What the critics are saying
Curtain Up
"When we first see the portrait, in a coup de theatre, I gasped with amazement."
http://www.curtainup.com/doriangraylon14.html
RemoteGoat
"This is the best piece of theatre that I’ve seen in years, so much so, I want to go back and see it again."
http://www.remotegoat.com/uk/review_view.php?uid=11343
About Me
"A haunting, atmospheric and very intimate evening for those that wish to escape reality and immerse themselves in the world of Dorian Gray."
http://dawnsmallwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/the-alchemic-orders-picture-of-dorian.html
Boyz Magazine
"This is an amusing night out for fans of Wilde. You won't be disappointed."
Smiths Magazine
"There is a real sense of exclusivity, intimacy and mystery about this performance that makes it a truly unique experience, and I urge you all to take part in in".
http://www.smithsmagazine.co.uk/2014/10/09/dorian-lives
The Ransom Note
"The production was a treat; tightly scripted, adeptly delivered, and blessed with a lightning dynamic that made the evening fly by."
http://www.theransomnote.co.uk/events/reviews/review-a-picture-of-dorian-gray/
Extra! Extra!
"Scandalously beautiful, Tommy Fitzer is perfectly cast as Dorian..."
http://www.extraextra.org/Review_The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray_A_Restoration_2014.html
Matt Hall
"There is a genuine passion from all in the company about the work they are making, and that can’t help but show in the final performance."
http://plymouththeatre.wordpress.com/2014/10/21/the-picture-of-dorian-gray-oscar-wilde/
The Stage
"Passionate, inventive and most importantly, memorable."
Islington Gazette
"Orange conjures an evening of startling invention. It is a labour of love that translates and showcases an impeccably high standard of acting. More than a theatre experience. More than a good night out."
Remote Goat
"This is very sexy Oscar Wilde. Simply great fun: funny, disturbing, novel and performed with an infectious warm enthusiasm. Well worth buying a ticket."
One Stop Arts
A refreshingly unusual and well-executed production, fuelled by an intense engagement with the classic source material. This ambitious adaptation is executed with loving attention to detail and no small amount of flair. The result is both intimate and flamboyant; an immersive evening of glorious Victorian decadence."
The Gay UK
“Great acting, inventive staging and clever writing. This is the future of creative and imaginative theatre."
What's Peen Seen?
"Orange directs some impressively creative staging; the visual effect was highly effective and dramatic. A thoroughly enjoyable exploration of the eccentric and twisted Victorian tale."
Everything Theatre
"It is clear this piece has been fondly pieced together by a lover of both alternative theatre and the book. They loyally stick close to the clever words of Wilde and the staging of this play is a clever idea, the specifics of which are yet to be done anywhere else."
In The Hidden City
"For a unique and engrossing performance of a classic, this is one not to miss."
Greenwich Time
"To call this 'pop-up theatre' would be doing it a disservice; recreating the 'parlour aesthetic' is taking the Victorian novel back to its roots."
A Younger Theatre
"Wildly inventive. An ambitious, creative and memorable experience and we are certainly made to feel welcome guests in the house."
Shine Squad
"Immersive theatre is hot right now, but no more so than this impressive production. A classy exploration of Wilde’s only novel, the audience as silent witness, drawn up so close as to see the workings and get inside the psychology of the characters. This clever staging takes us into the private world of high and low Victorian society. If one is to be poisoned by a book then this is a great way to die."
All In London
"Intimate, authentic and brilliantly acted. I loved it!"
Crumbs for Men
"The Picture of Dorian Gray makes for an enthralling night. The detailing in the set design is impressive and compliments the fine acting and intimacy of the experience."
Huffington Post
"This faithful adaptation of Oscar Wilde's famous novel is attractively staged and good use is made of its locations."
City A.M.
"Samuel Orange delivers Lord Henry Wotton's serpentine dialogue with menacing poise."
The Wharf
"Oscar Wilde's fictional portrait of Dorian Gray might have resided in the attic, but this new intimate interpretation of the story brings the drama right into the front room."
TikiChris
"Samuel Orange presents an intriguing adaptation, achieving a fantastic rendering by striking the right (and rather eerie) tone, expressing deep appreciation for his material."
Interviews 2014
The Thinkers Garden
Interview with our Artistic Director
http://www.thethinkersgarden.com/2014/09/09/the-alchemic-order-samuel-orange/#.VCAiPChDvRo
Mr. Gray is opening his beautiful home for the good people of London to enjoy a traditional Victorian Christmas. With gifts under the tree, candle-lit carols over homemade mulled wine and of course, what completes every household at this time of year: terror, intrigue and hedonistic decadence.
The Alchemic Order present a fascinating new adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic gothic fable and invite you to join the inner circle of Wilde's most infamous characters. The piece takes place in Mr. Gray's private townhouse, decked in glorious Christmas Victoriana in The Royal Borough of Greenwich. Guests will be immersed in a theatrical evening of art, intrigue and festive pleasures.
The Alchemic Order request the pleasure of your company at Mr. Gray's London Townhouse from 1st December to 20th December for an intimate and unforgettable evening of seasonal delights, with all the trimmings.
Every Tuesday to Saturday from 2nd - 20th December 2014. Doors at 7.15pm, performance 7.30pm.
Bespoke Christmas party bookings available, please email
What our guests are saying
WOW, Amazing! Wish I was more eloquent. Will leave that to Mr. Wilde.
Leanne Veal
Absobloodylutely Awesome! You guys rock! Wish theatre experiences were all as positive, fun and intimate as this. Wish you all every success…wow!!!
Louanne Schoones
What an amazing piece; an atmospheric house, an incredible play. Second time - loved it!
Carrie Selton
Thanks for the fabulous night!
Mobz
What a night! Thank you!
Jeremy
Viva La Vida. Weird and wonderful experience! Thank you for very different and immersive night of theatre. Very much enjoyed it!
Alan
Every time I see it, I like it more!
Jonathan Stalmann
Wonderful, thank you!
Nadine
Well done! Very original. Thanks for a lovely evening!
Marie Claire
Wonderful! As great as last year.
Danny Byrne
Fantastic production! We both really enjoyed it: unique production and fantastic acting. Thanks very much - we will send our friends.
Mark and Stacey
A wonderful evening of magic and drama - very different from the last time and still beautiful.
Thank you.
Sister Morticia
Well thank you very much. Scene 1 in Act 2 was trippy as fuck! And I loved it! Good job.
Philip Honeywell
Thank you for a wonderful night. Lots of love.
Ariba
My favourite book of all time and you did it justice. Excellent!
Gail
An ace cast!
The Twinkle
Amazing Production. Very Very different, really liked it - will tell everyone to come!
David
Amazing. Thank you so much!
Emma
Dorian really is very good looking!
Xun
Loved it! Great theatrics and I loved the homoerotica!
Tom
Thank you and congratulations to all cast and crew for a fantastically entertaining evening!
Piers Goodman
Thank you for a wonderful evening. Immersive theatre at its best.
Anna
Thank you for making us so welcome. Brilliant night! Thanks.
Gaynor
It's been fun. Best of luck for the rest of the run!
Rob
Thanks for a fabulous evening! Wow!
Tristan and Stella
Loved the show - especially Mrs. Vane.
Lucy
Fantastic performance. I really enjoyed it. So atmospheric and intriguing. If you can, see it, you will not be disappointed.
Paul Newman
Extra-ordinary performances in an immersive production of an Oscar Wilde classic.
Sue Lawes
Last night was quite useless but I admired it intensely!!…Fantastic immersion into the life of Dorian Gray in his Greenwich townhouse. Terrifying at times but fantastic throughout. My opinion is everyone should see it at least once.
Kath Edgar
If you go and see one show in London this Summer, make SURE it's this one!
@BEVEVE
This is a Summer show must.
@LaJohnJoseph
Amazing concept!
@JodieSubachus
Woop to new Dorian Gray dates! Will definitely be coming back this Summer.
Sarah @KingNann
Everyone in London should check it out.
@carstenklemann1
We are delighted to be visiting you again this Summer.
@sharrona64
Thank you for a magical evening yesterday. Can't wait to come back later this month.
@GillDickin
Thanks for an amazing theatre night! If you want to see something excitingly different get your tix!
@KreisdesignLON
Fabulously intimate, decadent production of Dorian Gray this evening. Memorable experience. Have a great run.
@Keilahawk
A huge congratulations to the cast and crew of @AlchemicOrder with their production of Dorian Gray, do not miss it!
@londonperi
Really loving that I came to see the show. Thank you.
@tearoomeliftoby
Thank you for a wonderful evening yesterday.
@GillDickin
An amazing play and wonderful cast. Thank you for such a great evening.
@sharrona64
Come to Greenwich for a close up experience with Dorian Gray in a period house.
@LizzieLoveridge
Wonderful night at @Alchemic Order's The Picture of Dorian Gray lasy night - go see it! Strong cast and strong text in a sumptuous house.
@_ObsidianDream
Still processing the thrilling intensity of @AlchemicOrder's The Picture of Dorian Gray in an extraordinary house in Greenwich!
@RikkiBB
Friends I went with last year on repeat visit @AlchemicOrder's immersive promenade through the life of Dorian Gray #dorianlives. Encore
@Lucylovescircus
Friends *aDored* #dorianlives @AlchemicOrder last night. Run extended, so Cinders here can now go to the ball too. Come & join the party!
@Lucylovescircus
Saw The Picture of Dorian Gray at @AlchemicOrder, amazingly novel theatre experience! Go there if you can!
@SindriSwan
Saw a production or "The Picture of Dorian Gray" - afterwards the director told me the ghost of Oscar Wilde speaks to him.
@RyanmPerez
Brilliant evening of intimate immersive theatre last night thanks to @AlchemicOrder - I recommend a visit to Dorian Gray's townhouse..
@amandagore
Spent a wonderful, haunting evening in the company of the @AlchemicOrder at the house of Dorian Gray. Magical and strange!
@sistermorticia
This week I experienced a really innovative production of The Picture of Dorian Gray in a gorgeous townhouse in Greenwich by @AlchemicOrder
@marieclaire_T
Still staggered by the remarkable immersive The Picture of Dorian Gray by @AlchemicOrder. Even better than last year's production. BOOK NOW!
@RichardGlaves
Spent the evening @AlchemicOrder watching Dorian Gray. Atmospheric and immersive staging. A real friday night treat!
@xryz
Absolutely loved Dorian Gray tonight - magical. A wonderful cast. A perfect setting.
Sister Morticia
A stunning performance. Do not miss this special piece of theatre!
Aimee Hislop
Fantastic. Beautifully acted and enchanting. A wonderful evening. Thank you.
Sharon Chandler
Thoroughly enjoyed Dorian Gray. A great immersive piece, well staged with some strong performances.
In House Casting
Congratulations on a great show, a great run, an amazing use of space.
Creating Freedom
An Evening I won't forget.
CarlieG
Such a unique experience, superb performances and amazing set. 5 Stars!
Rich Pye
Immersive, intimate...amazing.
Amy Bicknell
Quirky and wonderful.
Alix Leonard-Morgan
Theatre at its most awesome!
Dawn Ballard
If you get a chance, go see The Picture of Dorian Gray. I promise you won't regret it.
Robin FQ
If you haven't got your tickets, what are you waiting for? If you haven't been, go before it's too late.
HeidiS
Fabulous night. Go, see and be a part of...Truly amazing.
Sven Bayerbach
It was so fantastic and I was so impressed.
Happy204
Imaginative staging and performances.
Charlie Easmen
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born in 1854.
He read Classics at Trinity College, Dublin and Magdalen College, Oxford.
The Picture of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890.
Wilde died in 1900, aged 46.