Linnie Reedman is an experienced actor who co-founded Ruby in the Dust theatre company in 2006.

In tandem with fellow Richmond resident Joe Evans, Reedman is on a misson to breathe new life into classic stories in productions that combine music and movement while blurring historical fact with theatrical fiction.

The company’s version of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray is at the Leicester Square Theatre now. Reedman spoke to Will Gore.

Why did you start Ruby in the Dust?

I had been acting for years but I read a Chekhov short story and thought I would love to see it in the theatre. I love lots of music and movement on the stage so thought I’d create my own productions. Joe is the musical director and we have chosen to do adaptations of classics. I love good stories with a dark side.

Tell us about Dorian Gray We did a try-out earlier in the year and they have asked us back – it is very exciting. We are bringing out the gothic, fairytale elements and use live music. I researched Wilde’s life and have brought elements of it to the story and brought back some of the lines that were originally banned.

As you live in Richmond, are you keen to stage a production here?

I would love to – particularly at the Orange Tree. One day, when I was driving through Richmond on my way to Kingston, I said I would love to live here and I have been here for the past 20 years.

Dorian Gray, Leicester Square Theatre, until August 2. See rubyinthedusttheatre. com for more information.