If there’s one thing I enjoy seeing in theatre, it’s a classic play being modernised or performed by a global majority cast. It adds a new perspective and, for me, makes the story feel far more relatable.
Directed by the Lyric Hammersmith’s Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie, this updated version of An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde makes the story feel more culturally relevant and modern through the addition of contemporary references and updated language. Now, I have never seen or read the original version, but from my research, the core story remains the same.
Written almost like a riddle at times, with layers of lies and hidden truths, the play follows Lord Chiltern (Chiké Okonkwo), a respected politician admired for his morality and integrity, especially by his wife, Lady Chiltern (Tamara Lawrance).
But…
Years earlier, he made his fortune through insider trading and selling a government secret for money, meaning the very foundation of his success is corrupt.
At a political function, Mrs Cheveley (Aurora Perrineau), a Jamaican American woman who previously attended school with Lady Chiltern, arrives and quickly turns Robert Chiltern’s world upside down. She knows far too much about his past and uses that knowledge to her advantage, demanding he support her political scheme or risk having his secret exposed.
As secrets, blackmail, and social expectations begin to collide within London’s elite society, those around him are forced to confront difficult questions surrounding morality, ambition, forgiveness, and the dangers of placing people on impossible pedestals.
Will Robert’s secret destroy his marriage and career? Can his wife still love him once she realises he is not perfect? And is morality ever really as straightforward as it seems?
What worked particularly well in this version was the comedy woven throughout what is otherwise quite a stressful and chaotic story. Whilst we sympathised with many of the characters, there were still plenty of moments that had the audience laughing thanks to the witty exchanges between them.
I especially enjoyed watching Lord Goring (Jamael Westman), Robert’s best friend, attempt to get himself out of increasingly awkward situations, alongside his growing romance with Robert’s sister, Mabel Chiltern (Tiwa Lade). Together, they brought a fun, playful, and flirty energy to the stage.
Emmanuel Akwafo as Mason/Phipps also stood out. Playing multiple butlers across different households, he managed to get consistent laughs from the audience. Even without saying much, his presence alone was entertaining to watch.
“The set design by Rajha Shakiry transformed the stage into polished dining rooms, dance floors, and elegant homes. It really helped establish the world of the play and supported the storytelling beautifully”.
Speaking of relationships, the connection between Robert and Lady Chiltern felt believable throughout, both tender and fragile. Tamara Lawrance especially stood out as Lady Chiltern, calmly and thoughtfully navigating the many emotions and revelations unfolding around her in ways most people would completely lose their minds over. She felt incredibly believable and was a joy to watch on stage.
Whilst I enjoyed the comedic side of the play, I did at times struggle to fully believe what was happening on stage.
I also found the script quite challenging. The riddles, layered dialogue, and style of language made the first half feel slow at times and left me wondering what exactly was going on. Thankfully, the second half picked up dramatically, and I found it much easier to follow both the language and the plot.
One thing I really did enjoy was the set design by Rajha Shakiry, which transformed the stage into polished dining rooms, dance floors, and elegant homes. It really helped establish the world of the play and supported the storytelling beautifully.
Overall, An Ideal Husband was funny and witty, but it still needs a little more polishing, particularly with the pacing, script, and direction. The second half ultimately saves the first, which lacks some of the momentum needed for this story. That being said, the audience clearly enjoyed the production throughout, and at the end of the day, that matters most.
NEED TO KNOW: An Ideal Husband is at Lyric Hammersmith until 6 June 2026.
