Wilde Without the Boy
“I have seen many interpretations of Wilde on stage and screen, including those of Micheal MacLiammor 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.” Gyles Brandreth

Wilde Without The Boy" is Gareth Armstrong’s dramatisation of “De Profundis”, Oscar Wilde’s iconic and poignant letter addressed to his faithless lover, Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie).

It is performed by Gerard Logan in a double-bill with Wilde's "The Ballad of Reading Gaol", a searing indictment of the British penal system which narrates the execution of Charles Thomas Wooldridge, convicted of murdering his wife.

The poem is underscored with original music by Simon Slater. Both pieces were conceived during Wilde's imprisonment in Reading Gaol for homosexual acts, and the programme lasts for two hours including a twenty minute interval. Together these performance pieces celebrate Wilde's compassionate and unmatchable genius.

Director: Gareth Armstrong Music by Simon Slater “…The most moving play about Oscar Wilde I’ve ever seen.” Gyles Brandreth – The Mail on Sunday

Performance Dates: Friday 25th, Saturday 26th September 7.30pm, and Sunday 27th matinee at 2.30pm

How To Buy your Ticket
To purchase a seat, choose your date and simply click on one of the coloured circles in a row of two, four or five seats where you would like to sit. You will be making a single purchase on one seat, which will give you all of the seats in that row of two, four or five seats. If there are no coloured seats in a given row of two, four or five seats, then that row has already been sold.

Social Distance Seating at The Playground Theatre
Welcome To The Playground Theatre. To comply with Covid-19 Social Distancing guidelines, tickets for this event are only available in seating clusters of 2-seats, 4-seats or 5-seats. Patrons who require space for three people will need to purchase either a 4-seat or 5-seat cluster.
Patrons who are coming in a party of six people or more will need to purchase two or more seating clusters appropriate to their needs.
To maintain social distancing within the theatre anyone requiring solo seating will need to purchase a 2-seat cluster as single ticket purchases will not currently be available.
We apologise for any inconvenience this might cause but the venue has to ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons visiting the theatre and the seating restrictions enable us to comply with these requirements and still stage live theatre for you to enjoy.

Latecomers
To ensure the health and safety of all audience members, performers and theatre staff and reduce the risk of covid-19 cross-contamination we regret that any latecomers will not be permitted into the Theatre. Please note all seating purchases are final and refunds in part or in whole cannot be made if you or a member of your party is unable to attend or is refused entry due to late arrival.

Covid19
Please ensure you bring and wear a mask in the theatre or purchase one from the box office. Please be advised that if anyone attending shows signs of being unwell or receives a temperature test that indicates they may be affected by Covid19 , the venue reserves the right to refuse admission in the interests and safety of all patrons in the theatre.