My relationship with Oscar Wilde has been strained. It
started with watching the film, A Good Woman, declaring that he surely could
not have written something as boring, then committing myself to read his
complete works. That was some years ago, and I admit that either my brain was
asleep to his mastery, or tone and wit just can’t be fathomed when read
silently in ones mind compared to acted out by professionals. When I have a
spare 15 hours, I will try to re-read them to find out.
Watching An Ideal Husband, there was no denying the wit,
ingenuity, absurdity and humour, that is Oscar Wilde. It was written in 1895.
We have had over a hundred years of development, yet somehow, it seems we have
not developed. The corruption of our leaders, the demands of those close to us,
are still apparent today. The good news is, the humour still stands too, making
this a poignant but delightfully funny spectacle.
The play’s story is a novel, but relatable, one. The
protagonist, Sir Robert Chiltern (played by Simon Gleeson) is upheld as an
honest and charming man. When he meets Mrs Cheveley, Christie Whelan Browne, he
is trapped by his own past. An Ideal Husband covers serious themes of honesty,
loyalty, love, and responsibility, all in words that dance off the stage and
delight your mind.
Set in the Victorian Era, Director, Dean Bryant, will have
you believe you are back in the late 1800s.
If you don’t like humour, go for the elaborate dresses and foppish
suits, skilfully created by Set and Costume Designer, Dale Ferguson.
If the costumes don’t get you, the actors will. Despite the
absurdity of the story, and the continual jests, you will believe you are in
that ballroom. You will sympathise with each character as each reveals their
weaknesses, and giggle loudly along with the rest of the audience. This is a
funny play, a comedy to be exact. And a minute will not pass without at least
one person in the audience listening close enough to register a joke and laugh.
Other cast members include Gina Riley (famous for Kath & Kim), Michelle Lim
Davidson and William McInnes (who I remember best from Sea Change). I
particularly loved the performance from Michelle Lim Davidson, who played the
vein but charming Miss Mabel. And that of Brent Hill who play the always
talking, never saying anything, Lord Goring.
This play is entertainment at its best. You will laugh, you
will ponder, you will leave with a renewed respect for Oscar Wilde…now to my
reading, I will imagine this whole cast as I read every line.
Venue: Play House
Showing until 25 August 2018.