Bridgerton's Luke Thompson Brings Wilde's Dorian Gray to Life on BBC Four

Luke Thompson, the actor best known for his role as Benedict in the Netflix series Bridgerton, has taken the spotlight in the latest episode of BBC Four's The Read. This special episode was filmed in Hereford, a city in the West Midlands, and features Thompson delivering a dramatic reading of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. The production was handled by Rural Studios, a company based in Hereford, and the filming took place in the city centre, inside a bingo hall that had been out of use. The team transformed the old hall into a set that matched the mysterious and elegant world of Wilde's story.

Julie Colman, the head of production at Rural Studios, expressed her excitement about the project. She said that the company is proud to create high-quality television right in Hereford, showing that great productions can come from places outside of London. Colman explained that turning a disused bingo hall into the world of The Picture of Dorian Gray took a lot of creativity and hard work. She believes that this project proves the region has talented people who can make shows that are recognized across the UK. The episode was broadcast on Sunday and is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a young man whose appearance never changes, even as he grows older and makes questionable choices. Instead, a hidden portrait of him ages and shows the effects of his actions. Luke Thompson said he has always been interested in why some stories remain popular for so long. He pointed out that The Picture of Dorian Gray is still exciting and thought-provoking, even though it was written 140 years ago. Thompson also mentioned that hearing a story read aloud can make it more engaging, especially for people who might not enjoy reading on their own. He said it can remind people of being children and listening to stories.

The episode also features scenes with other characters, such as Francesca and John, who are seen at a social event dressed in elegant clothes. Another character, Araminta Gun, appears in a beautiful hall with her two daughters, all wearing stylish outfits. These scenes add to the atmosphere and help bring the story to life. The Read is a show that aims to make classic literature more accessible by having actors perform readings. Rural Studios hopes that their work will inspire more productions in Hereford and highlight the talent in the region.

The BBC is encouraging viewers to share their ideas for stories they would like to see covered in Hereford and Worcester. They have a contact form on their website and are active on social media. The Read is an example of how classic stories can be brought to new audiences in creative ways. By filming in Hereford and using local talent, the production team has shown that great television can be made anywhere. Luke Thompson's performance has been praised for bringing energy and emotion to Wilde's famous novel.

Overall, the latest episode of The Read is a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and regional talent. It shows that with imagination and hard work, even an old bingo hall can become the setting for a timeless tale. The team at Rural Studios is proud of what they have achieved and hopes that viewers across the UK will enjoy the episode. The BBC continues to support local productions and wants to hear from the community about what stories matter to them. The Read is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer, offering a fresh take on a classic novel and showcasing the skills of actors like Luke Thompson.