Wildean social satire will be relevant to today’s audience, says Kenilworth theatre group

A classic comedy of manners by the celebrated writer Oscar Wilde is taking the stage at the Talisman Theatre in Kenilworth this week.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Mar 2014, 07:00 BST
Lord and Lady Chiltern (Andy and Ruth MacCullum) with Lord Caversham (Bryan Ferriman) in An Ideal Husband at the Talisman Theatre. Picture by Peter Weston.Lord and Lady Chiltern (Andy and Ruth MacCullum) with Lord Caversham (Bryan Ferriman) in An Ideal Husband at the Talisman Theatre. Picture by Peter Weston.
Lord and Lady Chiltern (Andy and Ruth MacCullum) with Lord Caversham (Bryan Ferriman) in An Ideal Husband at the Talisman Theatre. Picture by Peter Weston.

Another of Wilde’s social satires, An Ideal Husband evolves around the lives of a successful political figure, Sir Robert Chiltern, and his friend, the uninspired but utterly charming Lord Arthur Goring.

Life is good for both of these men - but their world is turned upside down by the arrival of a dangerous schemer, Mrs Cheveley, who knows the source of the Chiltern fortune.

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Talisman publicity officer John Francis said: “Many radio, television and film adaptations have been made of the play. It is as relevant today in a period of duck-houses and Plebgates as when it was written - and it is at its most effective as a piece when it is not just a play about posh people in nice frocks.”

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Director Vanessa Comer says that visualisation and accuracy are key to the piece playing successfully, while the wardrobe team, led by Roz Grant, are working hard to ensure that clothing and personal appearance match the period and class of the drama.

The show runs from Monday (March 3) to Saturday March 8 at 7.30pm each evening. Tickets cost between £7 and £8.50. To book, call 856548.