De Profundis review, Leicester Square Theatre

Oscar Wilde's incarceration for homosexuality in Reading Gaol presaged self-exile and a sad end. Inevitably it also led to great writing.  De Profundis is an open letter Wilde wrote in his cell, railing at his own stupidity in taking out a libel suit against the Marquess of Queensberry, father of his young lover, Lord Alfred (Bosie) Douglas. Father and son were at loggerheads. When Queensberry floridly warned Wilde off, Bosie further fuelled the family feud by bullying Wilde into suing.

In court the tables turned.  Wilde was tried, convicted and imprisoned for two years. As a story it is sad and shocking. It might even be romantic - he was instantly abandoned by Bosie - were it not for the fact the writer was married to a woman who had supported him through all his pecadilloes and whom he had now publicly humiliated. He had two children he adored, and to whom he then lost access. He also lost his prized art and book collections, which went to meet his costs.

Paul Dale Vicker's has put De Profundis to music. It is a beautiful 60 minute piece. As Wilde, Alastair Brookshaw is tortured and compelling and sings beautifully. Fans of the writer will love the authenticity, emotion and simplicity. This reviewer, however, got ever crosser as he went over events - how could the wit who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere's Fan and The Happy Prince have been so easily duped? When Rupert Everett played Wilde in The Judas Kiss two years ago, he presented the writer as a gigantic big girl's blouse. Brookshaw finishes the job, underscoring his twattishness. One wanted to give him a shake.

In conclusion: De Profundis is a terrific entertainment for those who love Wilde, or don't know very much about him. The Leicester Square Theatre is a great space, and there is plenty of food for thought. As someone sitting in the middle however, I wish we could have a drama that explores his brilliance rather than his stupidity.

References
Tickets, Leicester Square Theatre

Leicester Square Theatre, Leicester Place, London W1.  Run ends 8 June