Tickets: £12.50. Doors open at 7pm. Licensed bar.
“And alien tears will fill for him
pity’s long broken urn.
For his mourners will all be outcast men,
and outcasts always mourn.”
Lines from The Ballad of Reading Gaol inscribed on Oscar Wilde’s tomb in Paris
Wilde without the Boy is Gareth Armstrong’s brilliant dramatisation of “De Profundis“, Oscar Wilde’s searing letter to his lover, written from his Reading Gaol cell.
Performed by Olivier Award nominee Gerard Logan and with music by Simon Slater, the piece is a window into the bruised soul of a literary genius.
The second part of Logan’s acclaimed performance is Wilde’s poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which narrates the execution of Charles Thomas Wooldridge, convicted of murdering his wife. Award-winning composer Simon Slater’s beautiful and original score provides a moving accompaniment to the performance.
Gerard Logan is widely acknowledged as an outstanding exponent of the solo performance, and has won acclaim and awards for his shows: The Rape of Lucrece (Shakespeare) and Wilde Without the Boy (Gareth Armstrong’s dramatisation of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis).
Director Gareth Armstrong was a member of the RSC, worked at Shakespeare’s Globe and London’s West End.
Gyles Brandreth wrote of Logan’s performance:
“I have seen many interpretations of Wilde on stage and screen, including those of Micheál Mac Liammóir and Corin Redgrave. But, in truth, in terms of emotional impact, dazzling theatricality, and understanding of Wilde, none of them has rivalled what Gerard Logan brings to Wilde Without the Boy. Logan is the best Wilde on stage I’ve seen.”
And another recent reviewer said:
“More than a monologue,the show is an intelligent engagement with a historic text. Gerard Logan takes the role of Wilde. The performance is one of great subtlety and nuance. Already well-acclaimed, and rightly so, Logan presents an Oscar without exaggeration and few affectations.
“The evening ends with a further treat. A performance of Wilde’s poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol. Accompanied by a sensitive score from Simon Slater, Logan’s delivery is a huge achievement. Surely this poem is the one last work of art discussed in De Profundis and the case made for the work’s status as a masterpiece.
“It is a rare treat indeed to hear a recital of this quality.”
About reserving seats on the TicketSource system
Current virus measures and advice mean we cannot sell tickets at the door. Seats must be reserved in advance. However we have upgraded our ticketing arrangements to allow you to reserve specific seats.
The majority of our events offer a choice of 2- or 4-person tables or individual seats (single or grouped in twos or threes). To select seats or a table, please click on the ‘Reserve Seats” button below.
This will take you to this event’s page at the TicketSource site where you will be able to see which seats and tables are available and then reserve the one(s) you prefer.
Make a Booking
Individual Seat – £12.50
2-Person Table – £25.00
4-Person Table – £50
Hearing Loop
The Shed has a hearing loop for all who appreciate a little help hearing the audio systems.
We simply that ask you to bring your own headphones, to use with one of our receivers. You can reserve one by calling the office on 01666 505496.
Concessions
Please note: Identification may be asked for to prove eligibility for any concessions.
