WHEN most of us look in the mirror in the morning, we know we've been wicked: or at least it's obvious we've been somewhat reckless with our health, or perhaps with our diet!

The lines and those crow's feet have their own sorry tale to tell, naturally.

But Oscar Wilde had another, more supernatural story to tell, and a stage version of his classic novella, Dorian Gray, is set to entertain a Malvern audience this spring.

The concept is an interesting one; the more Dorian Gray sins - and he's very good at sinning - the worse a portrait of him appears, while he retains his boyish good looks.

As you do.

Now Tilted Wig Productions will bring a brand-new production of The Picture of Dorian Gray to the Malvern Theatres in May, as part of new UK Spring tour.

A spokesman said: "Tilted Wig is delighted to announce that Jonathan Wrather, known for his roles on both stage and screen, will be joining the cast, taking the part of Lord Henry Wotton. "Jonathan is best known to audiences recently for playing the controversial Pierce Harris in ITV's Emmerdale for two years. Other notable TV credits include Joe Carter in Coronation Street, Silent Witness and Casualty."

The spokesman added: "The play, based on the classic novel, celebrates Wilde's wonderful language and will appeal to audiences old and new. It is adapted and directed by Séan Aydon, designed by Sarah Beaton with lighting by Matt Haskins and sound by Jon Mcleod.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a cultured, wealthy, and beautiful young man's downfall through moral corruption and seduction. Dorian, who, fearing that his good looks would fade as he grows old, wishes that a portrait painted of him could bear the burden of the ageing process, leaving him forever young. But at what cost?

" Featuring Wilde's famous wit and a stellar cast, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat right up until the final scenes of the play - providing a really entertaining night out for all."

Katherine Senior of Tilted Wig Productions added: "The Picture of Dorian Gray will be the 21st show that Matthew and I have taken out on the road. We produced 19 shows for Creative Cow over its 10 years' existence and now, under the banner of Tilted Wig Productions, The Picture of Dorian Gray will be our second production, following on from the success of Great Expectations last year.

"We hope audiences will enjoy our classic re -telling of this famous novel as it still has such resonance with our modern day lives and with its utter timelessness should feel bang up to date."

The Picture of Dorian Gray comes to Malvern between May 7 and May 11 and will visit ten theatres up and down the country. For more details: https://www.tiltedwigproductions.coms

Malvern Theatre's Box Office:

01684 892277.