THE FIRST Eastbourne Festival could not have started better in
theatrical terms, than with the European Arts Company's production of The Picture of Dorian Gray at the Under Ground Theatre.

Oscar Wilde's book has been adapted many times for stage and screen, but surely never before in such an inventive way as this.

Taking as its starting point the studio of the painter Basil Hallward, the paraphernalia and tools of the artist are the only props used throughout.

The actors used picture frames, dust sheets, brushes, paint pots and anything else already on stage, to create the variety of sets and locations needed to tell the story of Dorian Gray and his portrait in the attic.

The rapid scene changes were fascinating; watching the cast transform the set over and over again, accompanied by some very funny 'in character' exchanges and banter, was an entertainment in itself.

There were touches of Commedia Dell' Arte in the creative use of the set as well as the many quick character changes required.

A clever set is nothing without lighting, and the more dramatic moments of the story were richly interpreted thanks to the lighting designer.

In particular the interaction between Dorian and his portrait was spookily lit to great effect.

Five hugely skilful actors portrayed all the characters – as many as eight each – and have between them an enormous range of experience from radio, film and TV work to the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In Dorian Gray they were quick, slick, witty and instantly believable throughout in their various roles. They had fun, and so did the audience.

One of those rare evenings in the theatre when the barrier of the footlights seems almost to disappear, when actors and audience are in it together, let's hope that European Arts will return to the Under Ground Theatre with their next production in 2009.