Sir Robert Chiltern is a rising star of the British political scene, admired for his drive and incorruptible integrity, with a beautiful adoring wife and loyal friends. However, it is all about to be threatened by a dark secret from his past. It is a story of integrity in public office, blackmail, and forgiveness. For Sir Robert there is the real possibility of being ostracized by society and spurned by those whom he loves.
Very few playwrights’ work has relevance or appeal 130 years after being written. Oscar Wilde is an exception. Last week Harborough Theatre proved it with a remarkable performance of An Ideal Husband. Director Chris Raymakers ensured a superb, swift delivery of a script littered with lines to die for.
The play tells of a ‘cash for questions’ style political scandal. See what I mean about relevance? At the centre of the action is the eponymous Sir Robert Chiltern. Dipesh Lakhani gave a sturdy performance as the man struggling to preserve his previously unblemished reputation. Yasmin Luxford was perfect as his unerringly supportive wife, Lady Gertrude.
Putting the cat among the pigeons was mischievous Mrs Cheveley, played in an efficient, though rather detached, way by Eleanor Marriott.
When the proverbial hits the fan (not Lady Windermere’s) the Chilterns turn to confidante, Lord Goring. Cormac Murphy was nothing short of extraordinary as his louche lordship. Fast, funny and faultless. Celeste Walton was fresh and lively as Mabel Chiltern, who sins his heart. Denis Murphy was hilarious as Goring’s exasperated and terribly British father, the Earl of Caversham.
Sue Waller, Lizzie Murphy and Nicci Harvey were delightful as society gossips, Countess of Basildon, Mrs Marchmont and Lady Markby respectively. Barry Watson, Bruk Vidler, Daniel Shorley, Ben Lewis and Edward Toone completed this excellent cast.
— Edited from Gordon Birch’s review in the Harborough Mail
Mrs Marchmont – Lizzie Murphy
The Countess of Basildon – Sue Waller
Mason – Barry Watson
The Earl of Caversham K.G. – Den Murphy
Lady Gertrude Chiltern – Yasmin Luxford
Mabel Chiltern – Celeste Walton
Lady Markby – Nicci Harvey
Mrs Cheveley – Eleanor Marriott
Vicomte de Nanjac – Bruk Vidler
Tommy Trafford – Dan Shorley
Sir Robert Chiltern – Dipesh Lakhani
Viscount Lord Goring – Cormac Murphy
Phipps – Ben Lewis
James – Edward Toone
Directed by Chris Raymakers
Photography by John Harrison
Presented by special arrangement with Nick Hern Books