Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp wit and irreverent sense of irony shine in An Ideal Husband, brought hilariously to life by Open House Theatre in their lively, laughter-filled new production at Theater Spielraum, Vienna. I had the joy of photographing the dress rehearsal, and what a treat it was to witness the vibrant energy, quick changes, and endless cleverness on stage.
Timeless Themes Beneath the Laughter
First performed in 1895, An Ideal Husband is a delicious social satire disguised as a drawing-room comedy. Beneath the glittering one-liners and flamboyant characters lies Wilde’s timeless critique of political hypocrisy, moral posturing, and the impossible standards we place on those we love. The story revolves around Sir Robert Chiltern, a rising political star whose seemingly spotless reputation is suddenly threatened by a past indiscretion. What follows is a chain of revelations, romantic entanglements, and sparkling repartee that only Wilde could deliver.
Playful Chaos and Theatrical Flair
Open House Theatre’s production throws itself wholeheartedly into the comic chaos, with a spirited ensemble cast that revels in playful absurdity. Roles are doubled, and gender boundaries gleefully blurred, adding to the sense of theatrical mischief and mirroring Wilde’s own subversive spirit. It’s clever and performed with palpable joy.
Alan Burgon gives a finely balanced performance as the conflicted Sir Robert Chiltern, paired with Lisa Gray’s commanding and emotionally nuanced Lady Chiltern. Lisa Sigismondi brings youthful charm and sharp comedic timing to the role of Mabel, while Nicola Segur-Cabanac delivers a scene-stealing Mrs. Cheveley – seductive, scathing, and gloriously villainous. Pete Steele shines as the dandyish Lord Goring, injecting the role with comedic charisma. He also designed the minimalist yet effective set, sharing design credits with Helena Steele, who additionally serves as production manager.
Clever Doubling and Comic Highlights
Jacob Liss impresses in a delightful double role, transforming convincingly from the crusty Lord Caversham to the flamboyant Lady Markby – one of the show’s funniest turns. The doubling, far from confusing, is handled with clarity and comic flair.
A Stylish and Inventive Production
Directed by Robert G. Neumayr, the production is tight, fast-paced (despite the considerable length of Oscar Wilde´s play), and full of theatrical invention. Costume designer Katharina Kappert deserves special mention for the visually satisfying colour-coordinated costumes that echo each character’s personality while also creating a unified stage picture. From bold crimsons to elegant pastels, every detail is thoughtful and playfully exaggerated. The overall aesthetic feels both period and pop, traditional and tongue-in-cheek.
Final Touches and Final Thoughts
The lighting and technical finesse, managed by Alice Gonzalez-Martin, round out a production that is as well-crafted as it is fun. Whether you’re a Wilde aficionado or new to his work, this show is a brilliant introduction to his genius – and a night of theatre guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
Cast and other crew members, Tickets
📍An Ideal Husband is on at Theater Spielraum, Kaiserstraße 46, 1070 Wien.
🗓 Showtimes:
APR 22nd – MAY 3rd, 2025
All performances start at 7:30 p.m. (19:30).
ViennaCultgram 