Succession star to play 26 parts in West End show

Succession actress Sarah Snook is to star in a one-woman adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel, The Picture Of Dorian Gray, coming to the West End next year.

The Australian – who is best known for playing Shiv Roy in the hit TV show about a dysfunctional family fighting for control of their media empire – will play all 26 roles in the UK production.

Snook’s many characters will be achieved through a mixture of video and live theatre, using multiple on-stage cameras.

Used to multi-faceted roles, Snook won both a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice award for her portrayal of tycoon Logan Roy’s only daughter across its four seasons, with the final episode airing in May.

The 35-year-old star gave birth to her first child earlier this year.

The reworking of The Picture Of Dorian Gray is adapted and directed by Sydney Theatre Company’s artistic director Kip Williams, and its arrival in the UK follows rave reviews and a twice extended run in the Australian city.

Wilde’s novel, which was written in 1890, tells the tale of a man who does a deal with the devil, and centres around the themes of youth and beauty, the purpose of art – and perhaps most presciently – the dangers of social influence.

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Speaking about the role, Snook said: “I am elated to return to the London stage in such an astonishing piece of theatre.

“From Oscar Wilde’s remarkable original text to Kip Williams’ stunning adaptation, this story of morality, innocence, narcissism, and consequence is going to be thrilling to recreate for a new audience. I can’t wait.”

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Williams said he was “excited” to bring the show to London, and “thrilled” to have Snook as his lead actress.

Snook replaces Australian actress Eryn Jean Norvill in the role, who starred in the show for three seasons in Sydney and a subsequent tour in Australia.

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It’s a return to the West End for Snook, who previously starred opposite Ralph Fiennes in Matthew Warchus’ 2016 production of The Master Builder.

The Picture of Dorian Gray premieres at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in January 2024.