Details

First performed 1895. In decorous London society, where most women have their eyes set on snaring the perfect husband, Mrs Laura Cheveley is set on securing a lucrative Argentinian investment. All she needs to ensure the success of her scheme are corruptible connections in high places. Luckily, upright government minister, Sir Robert Chiltern, has a dark secret, and Mrs Cheveley knows exactly what it is. Now she just has to slice right through Sir Robert's outwardly respectable world, bending his earlier shame to her advantage. But there is one last hope for Sir Robert: Mrs Cheveley has a dark secret too, and Sir Robert's adoring wife, Lady Chiltern, who was at school with her, knows exactly what it is. Set in London in 1985, An Ideal Husband is considered to be Oscar Wilde's dramatic masterpiece. Blisteringly witty, the play is both a stylish comedy and a searing exposure of hypocrisy and bogus morality. In its analysis of ambition, shame, corruption and ruin, it speaks most passionately, not only to our age, but also to Wilde's personal crisis at the time. Sir Peter Hall's acclaimed West End and Broadway production.

Cast/Performers

Caroline Langrishe (Mrs Cheveley some dates), Lisa Goddard ( Mrs Cheveley some dates), Barbara Murray (Lady Markby), Bryan Murray (Sir Robert Chiltern), Patrick Ryecart (Lord Goring), Richard Todd (Earl of Caversham), Julia Watson (Lady Chiltern), Katy Odey (Mabel Chiltern), Graham Ingle (Vicomte de Nanjac), Maev Alexander (Lady Basildon), Tabitha Fielding (Mrs Marchmont), Robin Browne (Mr Montford), Walter Hall (Mason), Robin Browne (Phipps), Leigh Jones (James), Leigh Jones (Mr Barford), Laura Taylor (Lady Jane Barford)

Creatives/Company

Author: Oscar Wilde
Producer: Bill Kenwright Productions Ltd
Director: Peter Hall