An hour long performance constructed out of the colourful and controversial life, ambitions and writings of Oscar Wilde was always going to be an evening well spent. Despite being performed a little out of town at St Margaret’s Church in Rottingdean – a good twenty minutes bus ride away from the city, it was definitely worth the time and distance to experience the Oscar Wilde: More Lives Than One.
Dear Conjunctions Theatre Company lead an intimate audience on a riveting journeying through the contours of Wilde’s life as a creative genius. The performance successfully honours Wilde’s output in the literary world with superb articulation and gripping re-enactments. Details of his trial and the snippets from Dorian Grey were the most notable. Smoothly written and expertly pulled together to display the significant events of personal and literary events of Wilde’s life, the performance is at once highly amusing and yet tragically heart breaking.
It is not too surprising that this production has toured internationally over the last few years. The show has something to offer for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the details of Wilde’s existence. Although perhaps not the cream of what Brighton Fringe has to offer at the theatre this year, it is certainly a show with a little difference, guaranteeing an insightful hour of imaginative viewing to brighten up any evening. A strong 3 stars.