Normality is returning, bit by bit, to public entertainment.Apparently fifty thousand people can go to a football match, yelling themselves hoarse, but not to full theatres. Nevertheless, theatre companies are coming back.

The Sydney Theatre Company has a number of things on the go. Right now it is presenting (until 19 December) a version of The Picture of Dorian Grey, Oscar Wilde’s only novel.

Who knew Dorian Grey was a woman? Well, the actor playing the title role, and other roles, in this adaptation, is a woman. Eryn Jean Norvill is doing it all. She was the star defence witness in the very successful defamation case brought by Geoffrey Rush against the Daily Telegraph. It may well be a diverting night in the theatre, but I am a bit over gender swapping of roles.

The STC has announced a season up to 29 May. There’s an adaptation by Kate Mulveny of Ruth Park’s novel for young people Playing Beatie Bow. This follows Mulveny’s much- admired adaptation of The Harp in the South.  Set in The Rocks, Park’s 1980 novel moves between the present and 1873. It will be the opening production in the renovated Wharf. Great news!

Also in the season is Appropriate, a 2014 play by American Branden Jacob-Jenkins; it’s a family reunion where they fight a lot. And there’s Home, I’m Darling by British writer Laura Wade; planned for 2020, it fell victim to the lockdown. And there’s more!