An Ideal Husband

Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Robyn Bull

About the Play

Set amidst the dazzling ballrooms and sharp-tongued salons of late Victorian London, An Ideal Husband is a deliciously witty and emotionally layered play that offers actors a feast of roles brimming with nuance, charm, and moral complexity.

At its heart is Sir Robert Chiltern, a respected politician whose perfect public image masks a buried indiscretion. When the clever and captivating Mrs Cheveley arrives with knowledge of his past, she threatens to upend both his career and his marriage. What follows is a swirl of blackmail, political intrigue, and romantic entanglements as reputations hang in the balance and personal ideals are put to the test.

Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedy serves up a timely reminder that no one is without flaw and that redemption is often found in unexpected places. Rich with sparkling dialogue, dynamic characters, and emotional depth, this play invites actors to explore vulnerability, wit, and the many shades of honour and forgiveness.

Whether you’re drawn to high drama, biting satire, or subtle romance, An Ideal Husband offers a rewarding stage experience and the chance to bring to life one of Wilde’s most enduring and entertaining works.

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, she found her way to Dolphin Theatre, auditioning for her first production and soon taking on the role of Puti in The Secret Lives of Seriously 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

Why not audition for this fabulous play!

Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.