THE Octagon Theatre will be bringing a new gripping adaptation of an Oscar Wilde classic to Bolton audiences.

The theatre says it is 'thrilled' to have been chosen as a partner venue to host a new virtual production of The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Star of Dunkirk Fionn Whitehead will take the title role in a modern reimagining of the story.

Set in today's world of influencers, where online and reality blur, and in which Dorian Gray makes a deal for his social star status never to fade.

Artistic director Lotte Wakeham said: "I am thrilled that we are able to bring this gripping production to our audiences.

"In these unprecedented times where theatre buildings are closed and we are unable to enjoy the magic of live theatre in person, for venues to collaborate and offer shared experiences for audiences is truly wonderful and I am delighted that we have the opportunity to bring this brand new contemporary adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray to Octagon audiences."

The play is co-produced by The Barn Theatre, Lawrence Batley Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre, Theatre Clywd and Oxford Playhouse.

The production will reunite the creative team behind the critically acclaimed digital production of What a Carve Up! with Henry Filloux-Bennett writing the new adaptation with direction by Tamara Harvey.

The Picture of Dorian Gray will run for two weeks from March 16-31 and tickets are on-sale now.

Discussing the new production, Henry and Tamara said: “So many of us have found ourselves living in an ever more online world over the last year. But the benefits and the connections digital have offered us come with a darker side - deterioration in mental health, isolation, online manipulation to name just a few. Following ‘What a Carve Up!’ we really wanted to explore what would happen if you brought Oscar Wilde’s Faustian tale kicking and screaming into a world of Instagram, Facebook and dating apps.”

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.pictureofdoriangray.com/bolton with the Octagon receiving a percentage of ticket proceeds sold through the website.

Ticket holders will receive a screening link which will activate on their booked performance date for a 48-hour period. Tickets are priced at £12 which will include both a link to the production as well as a digital programme. Audio description and closed captioning will be made available for the production.