A new musical drama about the demise of Oscar Wilde is being staged at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne on 30 September.

From the book by John Merrigan, Vengeance it is produced by Fatsan Productions.

It tells Wilde’s story through the eyes of his life-long friend, Robbie Ross, as participant and narrator, with all original orchestrated music, songs and stage performance. Faithful to the true characters and real events that took place, it’s a moving, insightful and compelling drama.

The year 1895 began with Oscar Wilde possessing fame, money, and love. In a few short months, he went from society ‘hero’ to humiliated ‘zero’, his creative genius irrevocably damaged.

His demise and rapid fall from grace was led by the Marquis of Queensberry, a maverick aristocrat who sought to save his son and Wilde’s young lover, Lord Alfred Douglas (‘Bosie’).

The drama explores how events rapidly unfolded and why both men set themselves on such an obsessive path, rejecting the many opportunities each had to back down. Their conflict was a symbolic clash between repressed late Victorian society and the desire for personal and artistic expression. It was a fight without rules that ultimately ruined both men and deeply affected their families and closest friends.

Eleanor Fitzsimmons, author of the critically acclaimed ‘Wilde’s Women’, and patron of the Oscar Wilde Society was the historical advisor, to ensure that the real events are accurately portrayed.

Tickets from the Tivoli Box office on 01202 849103.