Production photos by Danny Kaan
Set and Costume Design for New Musical | The Large, Southwark Playhouse, Borough
Directed by Linnie Reedman
Composed by Joe Evans, Linnie Reedman
Lighting Design by Adam King, Tyler Forward
Sound Design by Mike Thacker
Musical Direction by Aaron Klingham
Associate Direction by Elliot Pritchard
Choreography by Korina Kokkali
Production Management by Lee Elston
Stage Management by Evie Graham-Brown, Jamie Burchell
Cast: Alfie Freedman, Megan Hill, Rhys Lambert, George Renshaw, Leeroy Boone, Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson
A modern retelling of Dorian Gray, a young and mysterious rising star Dorian is scooped up out of the shadows as the next big thing, thrust into the spotlight. Set in a world fusing high fashion with Victorian drama, language and design highlighted the interplay of the two worlds.
Set between Wotton Music Studio and the ‘27 Club’ a Nightclub celebrating the bright stars lost at the age of 27. The glorification of these artists and the magical aura they exuded is celebrated within the production, and Dorian’s inevitable demise into drugs and alcohol, his vices to cope with his fame.
Club dancers were heavily inspired by Weimar Kabaret dancers, Show costumes were camp with a strong palette of red and gold. The journey between the acts, 10 Years within the story allowed some significant style changes for characters. In particular, photographer Baz Hallward- overwhelmed by his obsession and unrequited love of Dorian, removes himself from the world of celebrity and replaces his feelings with a cultish response. His return to Dorian suited in a born-again Jesus-like white suit. The characters all become poisoned by Dorian’s power, flashes of a devil-like creature appear and Dorian becomes increasingly obsessed with the visual of the devil.
Behind the Scenes Photos by Louis Barrett
This production was designed with theatrical, high camp and gothic inspirations. Costume was built by layering high-street fashion, antique pieces and theatrical hires. Makeup was dark and moody.
Costume Design Moodboards
Best Costume Design – Nomination
Off West End Awards, 2025
“the shabby chic aesthetic (set by Isabella Van Braeckel) has a timeless quality that feels appropriate. Van Braeckel’s costumes are gorgeous, elegant and quirky as they mix up fashions and time periods, and feel entirely right for a story set in a milieu where style is eternally prized over substance.”
Alun Hood, What’s on Stage
“Isabella Van Braeckel designed both the sets and costumes, which are a special triumph. She mixes elements of Victorian garb, especially frock coats, with modern styles for a glam-rock flamboyance that adds to the musical’s discourse around beauty. She also brings a gender-fluid look to a production that amps up the female voices and includes at least one non-binary performer. Most of all, the costumes are fun, from the Bowie lightning bolts on Victoria’s costume to the pimpish dandyism of Baz Hallward’s outfits.”
Darcy Sullivan, Oscar Wilde Society
“‘COSTUME EXTRAVAGANZA
Zuzanna Chmielewska, West End Evenings
Let’s start with the costumes, shall we? Oh, what a feast for the eyes! The designers have clearly taken Wilde’s famous quote “One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art” to heart. The stage is awash with flowery kimonos, diaphanous shirts adorned with pearls, and cowboy boots that would make even the most flamboyant rock star green with envy. It’s as if Jim Morrison and Harry Styles had a fashion love child, and I’m here for it. With every scene I found myself waiting in anticipation to see another costume reveal – even more than to see the actual picture of Dorian!”
“Where the production shines is in its design by Isabella Van Braeckel, featuring a two-level set with hanging guitars, vinyl records, and pictures lining the auditorium. This effectively underscores the recording studio setting and places it in a gothic, bohemian world. The costumes are genderfluid, sexy, and aesthetically beautiful, combining Victorian and gothic motifs to add a visually appealing layer.”
Caleb Lee, Adventures in Theatreland
“Van Braeckel’s costuming is excellent, it feels grungy and punk, with a motif of queerness and individual identity running throughout.”
Anuli Changa, Lost in Theatreland
Isabella Van Braeckel : Designer for Performance 