Review: AN IDEAL HUSBAND, Bristol Old Vic
Helen Murray
Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband receives a stylish contemporary makeover in this new production from Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Bristol Old Vic. Directed by Nicholai La Barrie, the classic comedy of scandal, politics and reputation finds clear modern parallels, even if the production doesn't always maintain its momentum.
The production bursts into life from the outset, with DJ Luck & MC Neat’s "A Little Bit of Luck" blaring through the auditorium and setting the tone for a lively party atmosphere. Rajha Shakiry's design immediately establishes a sleek, affluent London society where appearances are everything. The costumes are among the production's greatest strengths, blending period elegance with a contemporary catwalk edge. While rooted in the world of Wilde's original play, the fashion-forward styling perfectly complements this modern reimagining, creating a glamourous visual spectacle.
At the centre of the story is Sir Robert Chiltern (Chiké Okonkwo), a successful politician whose carefully curated life begins to unravel following the arrival of the manipulative Mrs Cheveley (Aurora Perrineau). Armed with damaging secrets, she threatens to expose the foundations of Chiltern's success, forcing those around him to confront difficult questions about morality, forgiveness and the price of perfection.
Wilde's text remains packed with wit and sharp social observation, although the first half occasionally struggles under the weight of its exposition. Lengthy duologues and plot-setting conversations slow the pace, creating moments where the production risks losing momentum. La Barrie works hard to counter this through energetic transitions, movement sequences and well-chosen musical interludes, making this a more engaging interpretation than some traditional stagings of the play. Even so, there are points where the dialogue-heavy nature of the material feels like a slight slog.
The second half, however, finds its rhythm. As misunderstandings multiply and tensions escalate, the production embraces the farcical elements of Wilde's writing. The pace quickens considerably, with physical comedy and slapstick moments injecting fresh energy into proceedings. Engagement levels rise alongside the increasingly chaotic plot, allowing Wilde's humour to land with greater impact and ensuring the evening finishes on a high.
The standout performance comes from Jamael Westman as Lord Goring. Effortlessly charismatic and wonderfully funny, Westman delivers Wilde's dialogue with a natural ease that makes every line feel fresh. His interpretation feels distinctively his own, bringing a contemporary energy to the role while remaining true to Wilde's wit. Animated in all the right ways, he avoids tipping into caricature and instead creates a character who feels genuinely charming and emotionally intelligent. It is a finely judged performance that consistently lifts the production and provides its comic heartbeat.
By updating the setting without sacrificing the spirit of the original, this production highlights just how relevant Wilde's observations about power, image and public scrutiny remain. An Ideal Husband feels remarkably contemporary, while also leaning unapologetically into the camp wit, flamboyance and theatrical excess that make Wilde's comedy so enduring. Although the first half struggles to maintain momentum, the production finds its stride after the interval, delivering plenty of laughs alongside eye-catching design and a standout performance from Jamael Westman. The result is an entertaining, if uneven, revival that proves scandal never goes out of fashion.
*** Three Stars
Reviewed by Tara Whenray
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