Carlton Theatre Group presents Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, directed by Patrick Briône
Tuesday 14th – Saturday 18th May. Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre.
The title may well strike fear into the hearts of women on that infamous search for their ideal husband, but this production of Oscar Wilde’s classic promises to deliver comedy, drama and scandal in cascades; all set against the opulent backdrop of London’s high society in the 1890s.
The wonderful women of Oscar Wilde
The cast of this play presents a powerful female tour de force, bringing the infamous Mrs Cheveley, demure Lady Chiltern, sparky and youthful Mabel Chiltern and not forgetting the luminous Lady Markby to life in all their facets.
Lady Chiltern and her husband, seemingly the ideal man – upstanding, honourable, attentive – have the perfect London life with their close circle of friends from all the most notable families around. But all is thrown into chaos when her husband’s integrity is questioned and his past comes back to haunt him.
Mrs Cheveley is a woman on a mission – for wealth, power and the thrill of winning – and she’s got her eye on her old school nemesis Lady Chiltern’s prize: her husband.
Mabel Chiltern is the vision of English prettiness, with a wit that would silence the Commons. She may have met her match though in the notorious Lord Goring, famous for his extravagant living and for having an answer to everything. But what is in Lord Goring’s past that ties him to Mrs Cheveley and her devilish schemes?
While these three women work their wiles to best their competition, the party swirls around them, with any moment of silence filled by the trills of Lady Markby, spilling all the high tea everywhere she goes.
Written by Oscar Wilde in 1894, An Ideal Husband is a biting satire of Victorian politics, morality and relationships. With almost every line a quotable example of Wilde’s famous wit, the hilarious dialogue sits atop a much weightier story, combining both deep cynicism about British society and inspiring hope in the redeeming power of love and forgiveness.
The play, with its story of a celebrated man leading a double life with a scandal waiting to be exposed, also mirrors Wilde’s own life. On the last day of the play’s opening run in 1895, Wilde was arrested for gross indecency after the exposure of his homosexual lifestyle, bringing a tragically early end to his own brilliant career.
Playing at the Studio at New Wimbledon Theatre, the show will open 14th May, and run until 18th May, every evening at 7:45pm, with a 3pm matinee performance on the Saturday. Tickets here.
All press enquiries welcome. Please contact Natalie Romero, Marketing Manager: committee.carlton@gmail.com / njr197@live.co.uk
