Duration
2 hrs 40 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until June 6, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
Why Watch An Ideal Husband?
- Oscar Wilde’s comedy of secrets and reputation collides with sharp satire on politics, marriage, and morality in Victorian London.
- Director Nicholai La Barrie, Associate Director at the Lyric, is known for acclaimed productions of Tambo & Bones and debbie tucker green’s ear for eye.
- Expect stylish staging, period costumes, and Wilde’s signature wit, all highlighting how fragile public image can be when truth surfaces.
- The play’s legacy includes Olivier-nominated revivals and film adaptations, proving its enduring resonance with modern audiences.
- Running for a limited season at Lyric Hammersmith, this revival places Wilde’s timeless dilemmas in a fresh, contemporary frame. Book An Ideal Husband London tickets now!
An Ideal Husband is Oscar Wilde’s enduring comedy of manners, political intrigue, and moral dilemma, directed here by Nicholai La Barrie with Gráinne Flynn as assistant director. This smart new London staging revisits Wilde’s dialogue, irony, and social critique, set against a backdrop of polished interiors, stylish costumes, and staging that highlights the tension between appearance and truth. The Lyric’s 2026 season marks the centenary of the play’s last appearance at this venue in 1926, making this a commemorative revival as much as a contemporary restaging
Storyline
Set over twenty-four hours in London’s elite political and social circles, An Ideal Husband introduces Sir Robert Chiltern, a man of distinction whose spotless reputation is threatened when Mrs. Cheveley appears bearing evidence of a past misdeed. As scandal looms, alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and the line between virtue and convenience blurs. With sharp dialogue and moral suspense, the play asks: what lengths will someone go to protect their name, and themselves? Book An Ideal Husband London tickets to discover how these tensions resolve.
Show timings
Show timings for An Ideal Husband may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Written by: Oscar Wilde
Director: Nicholai La Barrie
Associate director: Gráinne Flynn
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 12 years and above.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Access performances: The Lyric offers BSL-interpreted (May 26, 2026), captioned (June 2, 2026), audio-described (June 4, 2026, with a Touch Tour at 6pm), and chilled (May 27, 2026) performances.
Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre
First opening its doors in 1888, the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre's Frank Matcham-designed auditorium was dismantled and rebuilt brick by brick in the 1970s to save it from demolition. The Lyric is now housed within a sleek glass-and-steel complex that fuses Victorian elegance with modern design. Over the decades, the Lyric has been home to some of the most groundbreaking and beloved productions in British theatre. Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, premiered here in 1982, as did Bugsy Malone, which has become a staple of the theatre’s identity. The Lyric is also known for bold reimaginings of classic works, from Emma Rice’s vibrant Wise Children to radical new takes on Shakespeare and Greek tragedies. Lyric Hammersmith Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting There
- Address: Lyric Square, King St, London W6 0QL, UK
- By metro:
The nearest station to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre is Hammersmith Station, located approximately 0.5 miles away.
- By train:
The nearest railway station is West Brompton Station, approximately 15 minutes away by taxi.
- By bus:
The Lyric Hammersmith is just 450 feet from Hammersmith bus station, which is served by both the District and Piccadilly lines.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Dining outlets, Toilets, Cloak room, Free parking, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Elevator access
Additional Information
- Access performances: Access performances include a BSL interpreted show on May 26, 2026, at 7:30pm, a chilled performance on May 27, 2026, at 2:30pm, an open captioned performance on June 2, 2026, at 7:30pm, and an audio described show on June 4, 2026, at 7:30pm, which also includes a Touch Tour at 6pm.
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your An Ideal Husband voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 12 years and above.
The show is playing at the Lyric Hammersmith in London.
It’s a witty social comedy set in Victorian London where a respected politician’s reputation is threatened by blackmail and secrets.
The running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission.
Yes. Access performances include a BSL interpreted show on May 26, 2026, at 7:30pm, a chilled performance on May 27, 2026, at 2:30pm, an open captioned performance on June 2, 2026, at 7:30pm, and an audio described show on June 4, 2026, at 7:30pm, which also includes a Touch Tour at 6pm.
