by John Wolfson | directed by Selwyn Tillett
5-7 December 2024
Bosie – Lord Alfred Douglas – was Oscar Wilde’s young lover. His role in Wilde’s tragic downfall, instigated by his father the Marquess of Queensberry, is part of the legend. What then happened to Bosie is left out of most history books, yet is equally dramatic: he converted to Catholicism, vilified Wilde, and became a crusader against homosexuality as well as a savage contender in numerous court cases for libel.
We meet Lord Alfred in 1945. Close to death, he is confronted with a visitation from his younger self. They argue, criticise and unpick each other’s lives and reputations. It is a painful and darkly humorous analysis, based entirely on fact.
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| Photography: Barry Parsons |
"I'd never been to your theatre before and it was a real delight. The front of house staff were all charming and very welcoming. And the theatre itself is just wonderful. I was also extremely impressed by the play. Firstly, the staging was a brilliant use of the space, I thought. And the performances of the three actors were absolutely first-rate. I find it hard to believe you're an amateur company. It's invidious to single out any of the actors for special praise, but if anybody forced me to do so I would like to pay tribute to the young actor who played Bosie. That was an absolute tour de force and I would say he would have a very bright future as a professional actor. Thanks again. I hope to be back." Nick
"Overall this was an impressive theatrical experience and I suspect it could have filled the theatre for many more performances than the handful offered. It is a production that I could see doing very well in other venues although I can understand that the Sewell Barn crew are an experienced team who make the very best use of their atmospheric venue and may not wish to spread their wings too far. The closeness of the audience to the performers in the Barn gives an intimacy which helps us to believe the basic premise of this bold play. A triumph for the writer, director and actors and all who helped them to make it happen." Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye [click here for full review]
"Marvellous night last night. This small cast kept the audience rapt throughout the play. It was both entertaining and instructive. If you are interested in Oscar Wilde or in the LGBTQ+ community you must see this play and these talented performers." John
"Your UK premiere of Bosie gave us a very enjoyable evening. You did well to manage a very demanding text and construct, pulling it .off with style and panache. Excellent performances and memorable scenes - Jonathan giving a master class in cameo performances! Well done to you all." Shelagh & Alan
"Director Selwyn Tillett got his choice of protagonists absolutely spot-on, with each of the three performers commanding attention throughout, and delivering performances brimming with a delightful deftness. The production is notable for being the premiere on UK soil for the play (and also an impressive directorial debut for Selwyn Tillett), so it was well worth checking out for that reason alone, however, coupled with some powerhouse performances from three fine actors, and its very short run, it makes it an absolute must-see. Catch it while you can." Ray Tempesta - East Anglian Theatre Podcast
"It was brilliant!" Etta
"Massive congratulations to Selwyn and the whole cast & crew. We were utterly transfixed & absorbed!" Sarah
"Brilliant, very powerful." Ruth
"Thank you for a very memorable and enjoyable performance yesterday. I was blown away by it. Excellent acting, perfect casting and you must be so pleased that you had the chance to direct such a personal play. How they manage to remember such vast amounts of dialogue, and deliver it with such pace and conviction, leaves me in awe. It certainly bore out the adage that those who veer towards such thoughts and feelings, condemn the most vehemently and it didn't do the church any favours in light of recent events did it? I hope you were duly proud of directing the English premiere and it will now get much more airing. Lovely to have the reference to Weston Longville too!!" Jenny [Email to director]
Contains adult themes.
Tickets www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn, or by phone 0333 6663366.
