A WITTY, FUN AFFAIR THAT BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO A TIMELESS CLASSIC

By Trisha Cusack ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Adaptations of classical theatre by renowned playwrights are always a gamble. Will they go too far with introducing “bold new twist”? Will it still resonate with the audience? Is Oscar Wilde just simply outdated? Luckily for Nicholai La Barrie, his production of An Ideal Husband is a fun, witty affair that delights audiences and is as relevant as ever.

Set in London’s high society, we observe the potential unravelling of Sir Robert Chiltern’s (Chiké Okonkwo) hard-earned reputation as an upstanding man and husband via political blackmail. Interestingly, it is a woman who is this show’s villain – Mrs Cheveley (Aurora Perrineau). If Robert agrees to support a canal scheme that will make Mrs Cheveley a lot of money (similar to how Robert originally made his money years ago), his public reputation will be spared. However, there is the small issue of his loyal and highly scrupulous wife Gertrude, who won’t allow him to go back on his beliefs. What is a man to do?

The primary plot is easy to follow but still keeps the audience guessing how it will resolve, particularly after the dramatic end to the first half where Robert and Gertrude have an explosive row. The secondary plots are equally as entertaining, particularly the tension filled romance between Viscount Arthur Goring and Mabel Chiltern. The show’s broad cast of characters allows for the play to be more than just a political scandal but one buoyed by comedy, romance, and a hint of satire.

I always find it remarkable when a piece of theatre produced over a century ago is still relevant for a modern audience. The hypocrisy among the political class, the lack of accountability by some men, and the female experience of being a wife are all easily recognised and understood by the audience.

While the plot stays true to the original work, it is the all-Black cast that brings it to life and breathes a new air into the piece. Viscount Arthur Goring’s Jamael Westman absolutely owns the stage. His portrayal of the flamboyant dandy with a heart of gold is easily the best thing about the play. Scene stealers like Tiwa Lade as Mabel Chiltern and Emmanuel Akwafo in the duel servant role of Mason/Phipps had the audience howling with laughter.

The infusion of Caribbean dialogue, Afro Caribbean music, and costume adds to this reimagining. The modern references are not overdone and are well placed to land with great comedic effect.

What prevents me from giving this a full five stars is unfortunately the performance of Aurora Perrineau as Mrs Cheveley. I loathe to point out an individual actor, however in comparison to her castmates, she failed to deliver the villainous role with, well, villainy. Many of her lines were rushed through, not landing with impact, and it was hard to

believe that she was as devious as she was supposed to be. For such a central character, with a large amount of speaking time, this was disappointing.

Overall, at just over two and a half hours, An Ideal Husband will have you laughing, outraged and content all at once. It is certainly worth a watch.

An Ideal Husband is running at Lyric Hammersmith until Saturday 6 June.

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