In Extremis

Synopsis

On the night 0f 24 March 1895, one week before the beginning of his trial, Oscar Wilde went to visit a society palm-reader, Mrs Robinson. This meeting is the intriguing starting point for Neil Bartlett’s fascinating play.

Our Review:

20 November 2012

On 24 March 1895, Oscar Wilde visited the London flat of society palm-reader Mrs Robinson. But why? As a highly educated and intelligent man, we presume he didn't believe in palmistry. In fact, as he admits during this 50-minute, one-act play, he was in a time of personal crisis and just wanted someone to talk to.

Publicly accused of sodomy by the Marquess of Queensberry (whose son Alfred Douglas was having an affair with Wilde), he was about to attempt to sue his accuser for libel. This would start a chain of events that would lead to him being convicted of gross indecency, spend two years in prison, and die whilst in exile in France three years later.

In Extremis by Neil Bartlett is the imagined conversation between Wilde (played tonight by Nigel Fairs, who alternates with Charlie Buckland) and Mrs Robinson (Kate Copeland, alternating with Fiz Marcus). The event is presented as a ghostly rerun, with Mrs Robinson stating at the outset that they are both now de...

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Latest User Review

Tracy Bargate - 26 November 2012:

Saw the show last night featuring Charlie Buckland and Fiz Marcus. Fascinating play, both witty and touching, the hour flew by. Charlie is a charismatic and moving Wilde and Fiz creates a world that draws us in. Go see it....

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