Alison Larkin Presents The Picture of Dorian Gray

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: James Warwick

Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

This powerful new recording of Wilde’s famous novel tells the unforgettable story of a hedonistic young man who makes a sinister deal to preserve his youth. When his wish is granted, Dorian Gray slips into a life of sensuality, debauchery, and murder.

In this uncensored version, TV star James Warwick’s inspired, nuanced narration is followed by a fascinating conversation. The actor talks candidly with Alison Larkin about Oscar Wilde and Warwick's own challenges as a gay man living in London at a time when homosexuality was illegal. 

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish poet and playwright who is celebrated still for his sharp wit, flamboyant style, and sparkling conversation. 

James Warwick is most famous for his starring role playing Tommy in Agatha Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence series on PBS for Masterpiece Theater. He has also played many leading roles on Broadway and London's West End, originating the role of Brad in the Rocky Horror Picture Show and playing King Arthur in Camelot. His last starring role in an Oscar Wilde play was in Peter Hall’s production of The Ideal Husband on Broadway. His narration of Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles, also for Alison Larkin Presents, also received rave reviews worldwide.

Public Domain (P)2019 Alison Larkin Presents

Critic reviews

"Listeners will be enchanted by James Warwick's narration of Oscar Wilde's
famous and controversial novel. The story involves a man named Dorian Gray
who has been corrupted by his youth and physical beauty. Several
productions of this classic have already been produced, but Warwick's
performance is simply arresting. He narrates in a strong voice with an
elegant cadence and vocal color that befits each character and the overall
tone of the work. Any hint of monotony in the middle can be attributed to
slow moments in Wilde's writing. Overall, Warwick's performance is smooth
and melodic. The audiobook also comes with an interview with Warwick in
which he recounts his own life as a gay man in 1960s London. A.C. Winner of
AudioFile Earphones Award." (AudioFile Magazine)

THIS is the recording to listen to! Wow!

I listened to this because I loved James Warwick's narration of the Agatha Christie double The Mysterious Affair at Styles which was paired with Alison Larkin's superb reading of The Secret Adversary.

I was excited to see that there was an interview at the end of The Picture of Dorian Gray in which Mr Warwick talks with Alison Larkin honestly and movingly about his own life as a gay actor at a time when homosexuality was illegal in England - following his really wonderful reading of this great classic.

How often do you get an actor who has starred in an Oscar Wilde play on Broadway narrating Oscar Wilde? Never! Until now!

This is a wonderful production, of the standard we have come to expect from Alison Larkin Presents. Top notch. And fascinating. More!

wonderful performance of a brilliant story

James Warwick's rendition of The Picture of Dorian Gray brings out all the Brilliance and Nuance of Oscar Wilde's writing.

The voice!!!!

While this was a very interesting story, I was especially taken by James Warwick's narration. The story is largely conversation, and Mr. Warwick navigated the different characters deftly. He is certainly the perfect choice to narrate this book! Bravo.

Superb

When someone encouraged me to listen to this book I have to admit that I did so somewhat reluctantly. No one was more surprised than I was to find myself captivated right from the beginning. I found myself listening to it on my 7 minute commute to work and on the tractor while mowing the lawn. This a complex book that ignites an array of feelings in the listener. If it had been a paper book I may have put it down for another day but James Warwick, with his warm, rich and melodious voice made that impossible. I listened to the entire book!
The honest conversation between James and Alison Larkin at the end of the recording touched my soul. Thank you James for sharing something so personal. The world is a better place with you in it.

Hauntingly Elegant

James Warwick coveys this Wilde classic with such elegance. He delivers Oscar Wildes gift for prose and dialogue masterfully. This was the best way to revisit this amazing classic; the investigation into the human soul and the powers of vanity. Powerful stuff!

Spectacular!

With artful soul, James brings all of the characters to life with his amazing talent! Bravo!!

May Not Have Stood the Test of Time

Racist views & tropes. Tried to remember the context of the times. Long passages of useless details seem unrelated to the story. Overall, some beautiful prose, but I knew the story, and it was a bit dated.