Witness For The Prosecution
Sixteenth company from 22 September 2026; booking through 19 September 2027 at London County Hall
from £23.13
Age guidance
12+
Category
Plays
Ratings & Reviews
British Theatre has covered An Ideal Husband in 6 articles since 2011.
About the show
Scandal blackmail and devastating wit collide in Oscar Wilde's political comedy at Lyric Hammersmith. Book An Ideal Husband tickets for a bold new production marking 100 years since the play was last staged at this venue.
What is An Ideal Husband about?
Sir Robert Chiltern is riding high on all the very best that modern life has to offer a man of his impeccable taste and immaculate reputation. The house, the clothes, the wife, all seems well until the arrival of the devious Mrs Cheveley. An old school rival of Robert's wife and the widow of one of Robert's old colleagues, Mrs Cheveley has a taste for drama and secrets to spill.
Her revelations threaten scandal, betrayal and public disgrace: so how far will this perfect gentleman go to protect his good name? Written in 1895, Oscar Wilde's sharp-witted exploration of corruption, blackmail and the dark underbelly of politics feels as relevant today as ever. Book An Ideal Husband tickets for this bold new production at Lyric Hammersmith!
Why should I book An Ideal Husband tickets in London?
This new production marks 100 years since An Ideal Husband was last performed at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1926. Directed by the Lyric's Associate Director Nicholai La Barrie (Two Strangers, God of Carnage), this contemporary staging reimagines Wilde's comedy for a modern London setting while preserving its devastating wit and timeless themes.
At its heart, An Ideal Husband is about the contradictions that define us: love and betrayal, politics and family, forgiveness and redemption, morality and greed. Don't miss this vibrant new take on one of Wilde's wittiest and most beloved plays!
Is An Ideal Husband similar to other London plays?
Fans of Oscar Wilde's sharp wit may also enjoy The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre or other productions at Lyric Hammersmith.
Performance schedule
Mon-Sat 7:30pm
Wed 2:30pm
Cast & Creatives
Full cast & creativesWho is in the An Ideal Husband cast?
Full casting for the Lyric Hammersmith production will be announced.
Who created An Ideal Husband?
An Ideal Husband is written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Nicholai La Barrie, with Gráinne Flynn as Associate Director.
Recognition
An Ideal Husband premiered at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 1895 to critical acclaim and has been revived frequently since. Notable productions include the 2018 Classic Spring season at the Vaudeville Theatre starring Edward Fox, Freddie Fox, Nathaniel Parker and Frances Barber. The 1999 film adaptation starred Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett and Rupert Everett.
Frequently asked questions
What age is An Ideal Husband suitable for?
An Ideal Husband is recommended for ages 12 and above. The play contains themes of political scandal, blackmail and marital intrigue.
How long is An Ideal Husband?
An Ideal Husband runs approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including one interval. Book tickets now – the show runs 8 May to 6 June 2026!
How do I get to Lyric Hammersmith?
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is located on King Street, London W6 0QL. The nearest Underground station is Hammersmith (District, Piccadilly, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines), approximately a 5-minute walk.
Theatre Policies
Photography and video recording are not permitted during An Ideal Husband performances. Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent before the show begins.
Accessibility at Lyric Hammersmith
Lyric Hammersmith is fully accessible, offering wheelchair spaces, step-free access, accessible toilets and hearing enhancement systems. Contact the venue when booking An Ideal Husband tickets for specific requirements.
Facilities
The theatre features a bar and café. School tickets are available at £15 per student for Monday-Wednesday evening performances. Under 16s receive £5 off Band B and C tickets.
When is An Ideal Husband at Lyric Hammersmith?
An Ideal Husband runs 8 May to 6 June 2026 at Lyric Hammersmith. Book tickets now!
Who wrote An Ideal Husband?
An Ideal Husband is written by Oscar Wilde, first performed in 1895.
How long is An Ideal Husband including interval?
The show runs approximately 2 hours 45 minutes including one interval.
Are there school ticket rates?
Yes, school groups of 10+ can book at £15 per student for Monday-Wednesday evening performances.
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Related articles
All articles about this show
Features
What to See in London Theatre This Week: Equus, An Ideal Husband, Cats and More
From Peter Shaffer's gripping Equus to a star-studded unrehearsed comedy and a bold new revival of Cats, here are the London theatre picks you need to know a…
Susan Novak
News & Reviews
Features
An Ideal Husband Returns to the Lyric Hammersmith in a Bold Modern-Dress Revival
Director Nicholai La Barrie brings Oscar Wilde's political masterpiece back to the Lyric Hammersmith exactly 100 years after its last staging there, with a d…
Susan Novak
News & Reviews
Review
REVIEW: An Ideal Husband, Vaudeville Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭
Julian Eaves reviews Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband starring Edward Fox, Freddie Fox and Frances Barber now playing at the Vaudeville Theatre.
Julian Eaves
News & Reviews
from £18.75
An Ideal Husband