Bosie

A one-man play focusing on the self-imposed exile of Oscar Wilde’s beau, Bosie (Lord Alfred Bruce Douglas) has been shunned from London’s High Society as Wilde’s scandalous story unfolds towards trial.

Set in a Parisian salon in May 1895, Bosie contemplates his own story and seeks to establish his own narrative against the public downfall of his lover. Taking place over two dates (as Wilde is released on bail and then on his day of sentencing), Bosie tells the story behind the story.

Ruminating on his sexuality and prowess, his hunger for position and status, Bosie explores his journey in homosexuality and relationships. Shocking, abrasive and, at times, downright uncouth the devilish details of his dalliances and affairs come to the fore – but at what point will he accept some responsibility for his current situation?

A beautiful boy turned man, with an attitude of privilege and expectation that supersedes reason, Lord Alfred Douglas’ petulance is on full show. But how did he come to be here? He battles and reflects with how his actions led to Oscar Wilde’s downfall and disgrace, and how he, Bosie – a gentleman of Victorian high society – is now trapped, degraded and alone. Passionate and direct, sumptuous and scandalous, Bosie is ready to spill the Victorian tea – well, his own version of it at least.

Written and performed by Rik Barnett, the first staged iteration took place at The Hope Mill Theatre in 2017 as part of their Powerhouse Plays venture to great acclaim, and has since undergone some significant development to the production you will see here. Directed by Tuirenn Hurstfield and produced by Northern Rep Theatre, this new outing of BOSIE strips back from the flowers of the Victorian setting and focuses on the character and just how deliciously deviant he is.