Cast confirmed for Lyric Hammersmith’s revival of An Ideal Husband
A new production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband will open at the Lyric Hammersmith in May 2026, marking 100 years since the play’s last staging at the venue. The revival features a cast including Tiwa Lade and Tamara Lawrance and will later transfer to Bristol Old Vic.
Casting has been announced for a revival of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, directed by Nicholai La Barrie. The production will run in London from 7 May to 6 June 2026 with a press night on 13 May, before transferring to the Bristol Old Vic from 10 to 20 June.
The cast includes Emmanuel Akwafo as Mason and Phipps, Jeff Alexander as the Earl of Caversham, Nimmy March as Lady Basildon, Suzette Llewellyn as Lady Markby, Tamara Lawrance as Lady Chiltern, Tiwa Lade as Mabel Chiltern, Chiké Okonkwo as Lord Chiltern, Aurora Perrineau as Mrs Cheveley, Sule Thelwell as Vicomte de Nanjac and Jamael Westman as Lord Goring. Trevor Nelson provides voice work for the production.
Set in present-day London, this production follows Sir Robert Chiltern whose public standing and marriage are threatened by damaging revelations. The decision to update the setting reflects an effort to bring Wilde’s themes into a contemporary context.
The production marks a centenary since An Ideal Husband was last performed at the Lyric Hammersmith in 1926. This historical connection is underscored by the creative team, which includes set and costume designer Rajha Shakiry and lighting designer Zeynep Kepekli.
Sound design is by Holly Khan, with Alexzandra Sarmiento as movement director. The production is overseen by casting director Heather Basten, assistant director Gráinne Flynn and associate costume designer Mariama Bojang. Stage management is led by Claire Bryan, supported by Jade Hunter and Jack Bond.
The run includes a variety of accessibility and engagement events, such as a post-show discussion on 19 May, a British Sign Language performance on 26 May, a chilled performance on 27 May, an open-captioned performance on 2 June, and an audio-described performance with a touch tour on 4 June.
The revival represents a significant reinterpretation of Wilde’s classic comedy of manners at a time when West End theatres are increasingly engaging with accessibility and diverse casting.
