AN IDEAL HUSBAND

(2000)

What the press said

TOPICAL TALE WITH ACCENT ON WIT

Jane Denny
Cambridge Evening News 6th July 2000

A 100-year-old play about the depths to which a politician will stoop in pursuit of power is likely to be as controversial today as it ever was. But when the play has been penned by Oscar Wilde, it promises an extra something to keep an audience on its toes.  AN IDEAL HUSBAND, in the hands of Bawds, pleased and amused a very substantial audience on its opening night.  

The production captured the high society la-di-da to such effect that I refused to open my mouth for fear of my rustic drawl spilling out. It's great to laugh at the pomp of our ancestors while secretly receiving lessons in proper pronunciation. Lady Markby, played by Rosemary Eason, was my favourite - the mouthpiece for Wilde's most witty and wry perceptions.  

But all the characters fulfilled their roles with the utmost professionalism.  Mrs Cheveley, (Christine Wilson) with the downfall of almost the entire male species on her mind, made me shiver. She played her part admirably.  The frivolity of the play's young lovers, Miss Mabel Chiltern (Suzi Turton) and Viscount Goring (Guy Holmes), is enchanting. Together they present the dizzy delights of Love's Young Dream to perfection. How sweet ... Margaret Thorp's costumes are excellent. They are extravagant and decadent, like the society we observe.

productions / photograph galleries / auditions / biographies / about us / posters / links