An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde is given a fresh and contemporary adaptation at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, blending Wilde’s classic wit with modern cultural references and humour. The story follows London high society as the mysterious Mrs Cheveley returns, using blackmail and manipulation to gain influence and expose secrets hidden beneath society’s polished surface.
Visually, the production is striking. Although the set is relatively minimal, it feels grand enough to reflect the wealth and prestige of London society. The elegant tiled flooring and open staging successfully create the atmosphere of lavish drawing rooms. The costumes are another major highlight, filled with sophistication and extravagance that perfectly capture the glamour and excess associated with the upper classes.
Jamael Westman is particularly memorable as Lord Goring. His comic timing, exaggerated expressions, and charismatic stage presence bring much of the production’s humour to life, earning consistent laughter from the audience. His performance gives the adaptation much of its energy and charm.
This version of the play also introduces more contemporary elements than audiences might expect from a traditional Wilde production. References to Beyoncé and a soundtrack featuring recognisable pop culture moments help modernise the story and make it feel more accessible to a present-day audience. These additions work well in refreshing the material without completely losing Wilde’s signature style and wit.
However, while the production is entertaining, the storyline itself can at times feel underwhelming. The themes of blackmail, corruption, and social scandal are central to the play, yet the adaptation never fully leans into the tension or drama these ideas could create. Although this limitation partly comes from Wilde’s original script, there still feels like there was room within the adaptation to heighten the sense of scandal and political corruption to give the story greater impact. At points, the stakes never feel quite as sharp or dramatic as they could have been.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and stylish adaptation, with strong performances and particularly impressive costume design. While it may not fully explore the darker themes of scandal and corruption as deeply as it could, it still succeeds in delivering an entertaining evening filled with humour, elegance, and modern flair.
An Ideal Husband runs until 6th June 2026 at Lyric Hammersmith with tickets available at Homepage – Lyric
Reviewer: Zain Russell
Reviewed: 13th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: