An Ideal Husband
Written by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Robyn Bull
About the Play
Set in the glittering and opulent social world of late Victorian London, An Ideal Husband intricately follows the compelling story of Sir Robert Chiltern, a rising political star whose seemingly spotless reputation appears unassailable.
However, his otherwise comfortable life is abruptly threatened when the cunning and seductive Mrs. Cheveley arrives unexpectedly, armed with a dark secret from his past that has the potential to unravel everything. She attempts to blackmail Sir Robert into supporting a fraudulent scheme by threatening to expose a youthful misdeed that, unbeknownst to many, laid the very foundation of his success and achievements.
As the shadow of scandal looms ever closer, Sir Robert’s marriage to the virtuous Lady Chiltern is put to the ultimate test, and his closest friend, the charming yet idle Lord Goring, finds himself reluctantly drawn into the fray of intrigue and deception.
With Wilde’s trademark wit and razor-sharp satire, the play artfully unravels themes of honour, love, forgiveness, and the peril of placing others on lofty moral pedestals. Ultimately, An Ideal Husband stands as a sparkling comedy of manners that provocatively questions what it truly means to be deemed “ideal” in a deeply flawed and complicated world.
AUDITION!
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Audition Application Form
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REHEARSALS
Tuesdays & Thursdays:
7.30pm – 10.00pm
All
Sundays afternoons
LOCATION
Dolphin Theatre
Foyer
12 Spring Street
Onehunga
DATE & TIME
Saturday, 3rd May 2025
10:00am
CALLBACKS
Sunday, 4th May 2025
(if required)
Audition Notes
All roles are open to ALL ETHNICITIES. Ideally every character would have a neutral English accent, however please do not let a lack of an English accent prevent you from auditioning! I am also willing to age performers up/down slightly as needed. I’m focused on finding strong performers first and foremost.
ACTS & Roles
Sir Robert Chiltern (Male 30-50)
Sir Robert Chiltern is a distinguished statesman known for his intelligence and charm, with a successful political career and devoted marriage. However, he harbors a buried secret that could jeopardize his reputation and personal life. He must confront the complexities of honour, forgiveness, and moral ambiguity beneath his polished image.
LADY CHILTERN (FEMALE 30–50)
Lady Chiltern is the epitome of Victorian virtue—intelligent, principled, and deeply devoted to her husband. She holds unwavering ideals about morality and integrity, expecting the same from those around her. Her strength and dignity are tested when she discovers a past indiscretion in her husband’s life, forcing her to reconcile idealism with compassion.
MRS CHEVELEY (FEMALE 30–50)
Mrs Cheveley is cunning, manipulative, and alluring, a woman who wields charm as a weapon. With a hidden agenda and a sharp tongue, she arrives from Vienna intent on blackmail and scandal. Sophisticated and dangerously intelligent, she embodies the seductive allure of corruption and self-interest.
LORD GORING (MALE 30–50)
Lord Goring is a witty, stylish bachelor and close friend to Sir Robert. Beneath his dandy exterior lies a man of great insight and loyalty. Often underestimated due to his flippant nature, he is the moral compass of the play, unafraid to speak uncomfortable truths and act decisively when it counts.
MABEL CHILTERN (FEMALE 20–30)
Mabel is Sir Robert’s lively and independent-minded younger sister. Sharp-witted and modern in outlook, she challenges conventional expectations with humour and irreverence. Her playful rapport with Lord Goring masks a genuine depth and emotional honesty.
EARL OF CAVERSHAM (MALE 60–75)
The Earl of Caversham is Lord Goring’s stern and traditional father. Blunt, authoritative, and often exasperated by his son’s apparent idleness, he represents the older generation’s values of duty, respectability, and public service. Despite his gruff exterior, he genuinely cares for his son and provides moments of both humour and heartfelt insight.
LADY MARKBY (FEMALE 50–70)
Lady Markby is an affable and opinionated society matron who brings levity and commentary to the action. She is a representative of traditional upper-class values, often delivering humorous observations on politics, marriage, and the changing tides of society.
LADY BASILDON (FEMALE 30–50)
Lady Basildon is a fashionable, witty member of London high society. Often seen alongside her close companion Lady Markby, she delights in clever banter and idle gossip. Though charming and elegant, she is more concerned with appearances and social status than with deeper moral issues, providing a satirical glimpse into the superficial world of the aristocracy.
MRS MARCHMONT (FEMALE 30–50)
Mrs Marchmont is a sharp-tongued, quick-witted society woman and a close companion of Lady Basildon. With a flair for irony and a disenchanted view of politics and marriage, she adds a touch of dry humour to the social scenes. Though light-hearted and stylish, her commentary subtly critiques the idle lives of the privileged class.
VICOMTE DE NANJAC (MALE 20–30)
The Vicomte De Nanjac is a charming young French attaché to the embassy in London. Smooth, flirtatious, and impeccably mannered, he brings an air of continental sophistication to the Chilterns’ social circle. Though his role is minor, his presence adds a touch of international flair and comic lightness to the world of upper-class diplomacy.
PHIPPS/James/Mason (30–60)
Phipps is the Earl of Caversham’s unflappable valet—dignified, discreet, and dutiful to a fault.
James is a reliable and composed footman in the Chiltern household.
Mason is the dependable butler in Lord Goring’s household. Efficient and discreet, he serves with the calm assurance of someone who has seen it all but says very little. With a dry wit and unflappable nature, Mason plays his small but essential role in maintaining order amidst the eccentricities of his employer’s life.
Theatre NOTEs
The Dolphin Theatre is a welcoming and nondiscriminatory organization. We are seeking an incredibly diverse and inclusive cast. We encourage community members to attend regardless of age, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or experience. If you require accommodations in any way, please let us know and we will do our best to make that happen.
Ages ranges are indicative of playing age only and will be flexible. We are open to any ethnicity for any character. Some cross-gender casting may be considered
Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.