Royalty Theatre play tells of Oscar Wilde love story

The Royalty Theatre has opened 2017 with a production of the Oscar Wildethemed The Judas Kiss.

David Hare’s acclaimed play focuses on Wilde and his relationship with Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas, which in 1895 saw the renowned poet, playwright and author sentenced to two years in prison for gross indecency.

Prior to his arrest, Bosie convinces Wilde to stay in England to fight his ultimately doomed case, against the advice of their level-headed friend Robbie Ross.

On leaving prison, Wilde is re-united with Bosie, a move which could prove equally disastrous.

Director John Appleton said: “This play shows us a side of the Wilde story that many have not heard before. We all know about his imprisonment, but not so much about the humanity of the story – the love, the hurt, the betrayal.

“The Judas Kiss captures that magnificently, and importantly, casts LGBT lifestyles in a very human and natural light.

“In this respect our production is timely, with February being LGBT history month, and 2017 being the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK”.

The play stars Royalty regular Andrew Barella as Wilde, with Youth Academy graduates Alex Goodchild and James Errington as Bosie and Robbie Ross respectively.

Performances run until Saturday.

Plays remaining this season are The Odd Couple (2025 Mar), The Pitmen Painters (15-20 May) and Oliver Twist (19-24 June).

Tickets can be booked via www.ticketsource.co.uk/ royaltytheatre or on 0333 666 3366.