An Ideal Husband
Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Robyn Bull
About the Play
An Ideal Husband invites you into the lavish drawing rooms and high society of late Victorian London, where sparkling wit, scandal, and satire flow as freely as the champagne.
Sir Robert Chiltern is a rising political star with a spotless reputation, until the cunning Mrs Cheveley appears, threatening to reveal a secret from his past that could destroy everything he holds dear. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, his perfect life teeters on the edge, and those around him must confront their own ideals of honesty, love, and forgiveness.
Packed with Oscar Wilde’s trademark humour, razor-sharp dialogue, and a parade of colourful characters, this dazzling comedy of manners explores timeless questions of integrity, morality, and the facades we wear to fit into society.
Witty, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining, An Ideal Husband is a brilliant theatrical gem that promises laughter, intrigue, and a touch of romance, making for an unmissable night at the theatre.
Playwright
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was a master of wit, satire, and theatrical elegance, widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices of the late Victorian stage. With a sharp eye for society’s contradictions and a gift for dazzling dialogue, Wilde created some of the most enduring comedies in English theatre.
Written in 1895, An Ideal Husband blends high society glamour with political scandal, exploring themes of morality, forgiveness, and the public versus private self. With its clever characters and sparkling repartee, the play reflects Wilde’s talent for exposing human flaws with humour and compassion.
A brilliant critique wrapped in charm and sophistication, An Ideal Husband continues to captivate modern audiences with its timeless relevance and theatrical finesse.
Director
Robyn Bull
Robyn first caught the theatre bug at the age of five, playing Gretel in her school play—and she hasn’t looked back since. Fast forward twenty years and she found her way to Dolphin Theatre where she remains a key creative force, having recently portrayed the role of Puti in The Secret Lives Of Extremely Old People.
Over the years, Robyn has worn many hats at Dolphin, including Stage Manager, Set Designer, and Director. In 2020, she was honoured with Dolphin’s inaugural Best Director award for her work on At the Sign of the Crippled Harlequin.
Outside the theatre, Robyn juggles her passion for the stage with a full-time career as a primary school teacher. She has a deep appreciation for Oscar Wilde’s dry wit and sparkling dialogue—and she hopes you’ll enjoy it just as much.
Cast
OLIVER ROBERTS
as Lord Chiltern
This is Oliver’s third play at Dolphin Theatre, the last being Glengarry Glen Ross in 2023. Recently, he’s also performed at The Rose Centre and The Pumphouse Theatre, where he appeared in last year’s award-winning debut comedy production of Call Girls.
It’s also his second time playing one of Oscar Wilde’s pompous and self-justifying characters—the first being Lord Henry in Dorian Gray. “At least this one has the decency to wrestle with his conscience,” he says. “The writing is always so good, and there are often many layers to what’s going on, which makes it great fun to do.”
ROSE HERDA
as Mrs Cheverley
Rose is very excited to play Mrs Cheveley in her debut at Dolphin Theatre. She has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Laura Cheveley, a wily force of nature with a tremendous wit and business to settle. A die-hard thespian, Rose has enjoyed continuing her return to the stage after spending recent years directing and producing independent theatre, primarily Shakespeare. Her other recent roles include Marge/Colleen in Mr Burns: A post electric play (Seed Theatre) and Helena, Flute, and Peaseblossom in A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Arden Ensemble).
BENJAMIN WICKERS
as Lord Goring
This is Benjamin’s second show with The Dolphin since his debut in Kimberly Akimbo (2023). He was last seen in the acclaimed Howick Little Theatre production of Things I Know To Be True (2024) and you may have caught him in his NAPTA-winning performance in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Company Theatre, 2024). Outside of theatre, Benjamin is working towards a creative writing and journalism degree, while dedicating free time to novel and playwriting.
JESS ELLISON
as Lady Chiltern
This is Jess’ first ever named role! After previously hiding in the safety of ensemble parts and backstage roles, she finally took the plunge to audition for something bigger and is thrilled (and mildly terrified) to be given the opportunity to play Lady Chiltern. She hopes that this will be the first of many forays into the world of theatre, and maybe, just maybe, a stepping stone to her true calling: a contestant on Taskmaster. Jess is grateful to the whole cast and crew for being so encouraging, talented, and overall simply wonderful - she couldn't have done it without them. Enjoy the show
LYNN WEBSTER
as Lady Markby
Lynn last appeared at Dolphin in Joyful and Triumphant in November of 2024 which won her a NAPTA award. She is delighted to return as Lady Markby, a character not unlike Alice Warner of J&T! Having played the iconic part of Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest in 2013, the Wilde style is great fun to return to! Lynn’s over-50-year career has seen innumerable plays, musicals, films and TV shows in Chicago, Toronto, London, New York and finally Auckland since 1997. Her “day job” is teaching yoga which compliments treading the boards remarkably well. Namaste!
OLIVIA SKELLING
as Mabel Chiltern
‘An Ideal Husband’ is Olivia’s first show with Dolphin Theatre, and she is so excited to join the team! She is looking forward to taking on the role of Mabel, working alongside a talented cast, and of course, the costumes! You may have seen her take on the role of Isabel in ‘Aurelia’ at Howick Little Theatre last year. Outside of theatre, Olivia studies a conjoint law and arts degree, works as a receptionist, and spends any spare time befriending the neighbourhood cats. She hopes you all enjoy the show!
EMMA TAYLOR
as Lady Basildon/Jane
After a long break from acting, Emma is so excited to be back on stage. Previous experience in the UK and NZ has included Shakespeare and murder mystery through to farce and pantomime! She is very much looking forward to playing the frivolous Lady Basildon in 'An Ideal Husband'. This is Emma's first production with Dolphin Theatre and she is enjoying this opportunity to work with such a lovely and talented fellow cast and crew
KIERRON DIAZ- CAMPBELL
as Phipps/Vicomte De Nanjac
Kierron first appeared on stage at 8 years old, and has had a hard time staying off it since, performing in approximately 2 productions per year since age 14. He is excited to finally be involved in a Dolphin Theatre show, especially as this is also his first Oscar Wilde.
OLLIE BAKER
as Mason/Mr Mountford
I am thrilled to be joining the cast of the An Ideal Husband after tentatively treading my first boards in the Dolphin Theatre's production of Clue, last year. Having come through that relatively unscathed, and having had an absolutely amazing time, I'm looking forward to working with another group of wonderfully talented and creative people. Outside of performing I am passionate about anchovies, education, retro video games and kimchi.
ARTI KANSARA
as Mrs Marchmont/Harriet
Arti's love of theatre started at the age of 8, when she played the wicked witch in a school production of 'Sleeping Beauty’.
Fast forward 40+ years, and she found her way back to the stage, starting with a little dabble into improv with Covert Theatre, to Auckland’s Short and Sweet Festival in 2019, continuing on to Prayas Theatre’s ‘Yatra’ in 2020 and ‘Tiffin Box’ in 2024, performing a solo piece.
2025 started with her Shoreside Theatre debut in ‘White Men’ and now, Arti is thrilled to be playing the quick witted ’Mrs Marchmont’, whose flair for irony and dry sense of humour will be such a treat for Arti to bring to life!
Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.