An Ideal Husband

Synopsis

First performed 1895. Mrs Cheveley attempts to ruin a politician's succesful career by producing incriminating evidence about his past. However, she hasn't reckoned on the faithfulness and good memory of his devoted wife.

Our Review:

20 December 2007

No other regional theatre does Oscar Wilde with as much pace, precision and passion as the Royal Exchange. Braham Murray's 2004 production of The Importance of Being Earnest was a true delight. Now, this Christmas, Murray’s take on An Ideal Husband lives up to its title, providing the ideal alternative to pantomime fare on the festive theatre menu.

Wilde's classic was written in 1895 but because the narrative centres on the themes of sexual and political corruption, it has many parallels for a modern audience to appreciate. Add to this resonance Wilde’s trademark fizzing dialogue and you could simply recreate the best bits and bingo; you’d have a hit.

Murray isn’t content to do Wilde by numbers though. He really does do the work justice by assembling a dazzling array of talent both on stage and behind on the scenes. From the sterling supporting cast - including the wonderful Ann Firbank as the bored Socialite Lady Mar...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

No reviews yet

Click here to add your review