A drama group successfully performed a beloved Oscar Wilde novel to near sold-out audiences this weekend.

Theydon Bois Drama Society, in Coppice Row, performed the Irish playwright's The Picture of Dorian Gray for three nights at Theydon Bois Village Hall.

Set in Victorian England, the popular gothic story follows an artist becoming obsessed with the titled character who can magically retain his youth and beauty.

Director Suzie Correya, originally from Theydon Bois but now lives in Ware, was pleased with casts performance.

“They all did brilliant, I feel it went really well.” she said.

The production however was hit with an unfortunate mishap on Thursday afternoon when the actress playing Mrs Vane and Mrs Leaf was taken ill.

“She’s really gutted,” explained Mrs Correya. “But that’s how theatre is sometimes and why everybody mucks in.

“You would hope by doing an announcement the audience would be understanding of that.”

During Friday night’s performance, Ms Correya also had to step in as prompter when the person was unable to attend.”

“I’m supposed to be hands-off during the show and sit at the back because it’s bad luck for the director to be back stage, it’s quite superstitious.”

The play was based on a script written by Wilde’s grandson, Merlin Holland and John O’Connor.

16-year-old Christopher Collins played the title character during the two-part show.

Paul Daynes, Antony Kennedy and Rachel Dean took on the key roles of Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward and Sybil Vane respectively.

“It’s a difficult play to do because it’s very dark, it's challenging everybody but bringing out some fantastic performances and I think the actors are surprising themselves.”

Epping Forest reporter Hannah Hastings was invited to attend the Friday night performance.

“It was a great performance by everyone, I thought the costumes and special effects on stage were particularly amazing.” she said.

The Theydon Bois Drama Society’s next production is comedy play, The Memory of Water, which will run from Thursday, June 6 to Saturday, June 8.

For more information, visit https://www.theydondrama.org