An Ideal Husband- Theatre Royal

With Oscar Wilde’s wonderful witticisms and wicked one-liners in abundance, this comic drama of high society blackmail and political corruption in late 19th century London was a theatrical treat from start to finish.

Directed with a sense of fun and respect by Theatre Royal’s ex-MD, Mark Piper from the Peter Hall production, this revival had sets that were big and impressive, though dwarfed in stature by the performances of an excellent cast.

As the conniving Mrs Cheveley, Kate O’Mara schemed and smouldered, Fenella Fielding as Lady Markby stole almost every scene she was in and Robert Duncan’s portrayal of the foppish Lord Goring was wonderfully Wilde. 

In less scenery-chewing mode, Michael Praed, Tony Britton, Carol Royle and Isla Carter all excelled, along with a supporting cast who appeared to be enjoying the experience as much as the audience were/

All this made An Ideal Husband an ‘ideal’ night out at the theatre.