AN award-winning poet’s first stage play retells a literary classic from famed author Oscar Wilde.

Andrew McMillan has written his first play, Dorian, and will bring it to Hexham’s Queen’s Hall on Saturday evening.

The play is a retelling of Wilde’s classic, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and will be presented by Proper Job Theatre Company as part of the company’s Monster Trilogy which sees classic pieces of literature transformed for the stage by renowned poets.

It follows Nosferatu, written by Ian McMillan, and Medusa reimagined by award-winning poet Helen Mort.

Andrew McMillan said: “I have long been fascinated by the world of theatre so it’s an honour to be approached by Proper Job for this project – and to follow in the footsteps of two great poets.

“Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece is the inspiration for Dorian, but my own personal experiences with eating disorders is reflected in the play.”

McMillan’s play will explore masculinity, body dysmorphia, class and the gym culture through using poetry, physical theatre, bold images and a stirring music score.

A tired, middle-aged man sets out to change his life and get the body of his dreams. He hires a personal trainer and signs up to a six-month transformation programme, but things start to unravel.

Dorian’s body starts to change, but he can’t recognise it so becomes more addicted to the gym and less able to see the results of his work.

Chloe Whitehead, the play’s producer, said: “We are delighted to be working with the brilliant poet, Andrew McMillan, on this production.

“At Proper Job, we strive to be bold and tell stories that are unusual, and to comment on contemporary issues, even if they have an ancient inspiration, and Andrew has created just that.

“We think Wilde would approve.”

The performance of Dorian will start at 7.30pm.