An Ideal Husband (version 2)

Oscar Wilde

Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.5 stars; 16 reviews)

The "Ideal Husband" of the title is Sir Robert Chiltern, with his equally upright wife Lady Chiltern. He has never committed a crime, never had a "past" and never bowed to corruption or influence, or so she thinks... The disreputable Mrs Cheveley is about to appear and try her hand at both politics and blackmail - can the Chilterns come through the encounter with both public and private honour intact? And what about Miss Mabel Chiltern's roguish beau, Lord Goring? What does he have to do with all of this?

Oscar Wilde's witty comedy of manners, trust and politics shows human nature in a typically merciless light. The main themes are blackmail, political corruption and the uses and abuses of power both in politics and in private life. Quote from the play: “It takes great deal of courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.” (Summary by Beth Thomas)

Cast List:
The Earl of Caversham: Alan Mapstone
Vicount Goring: Rob Marland
Sir Robert Chiltern: Tomas Peter
Lady Chiltern: Beth Thomas
Mrs Cheveley: Eva Davis
Miss Mabel Chiltern: Leanne Yau
Lady Markby: TJ Burns
Lady Basildon: Foon
Mrs Marchmont: Hope K
Vicomte de Nanjac: Kurt
Mr Montford/Harold: DrPGould
Mason: Zames Curran
Phipps: Nemo
Narration read by: MichaelMaggs

Audio edited by: Rob Marland (3 hr 12 min)