HomeArts & LifestyleThe Trials of Oscar Wilde transfers to West End

The Trials of Oscar Wilde transfers to West End

We’re delighted to hear that The Trials of Oscar Wilde has earned a West End transfer, and will play at the Trafalgar Studios Monday 13th October to Saturday 8th November.

The play, which examines the civil and criminal trials brought by and against gay playwright Oscar Wilde in the late Nineteenth Century, completed a UK tour this year. See also our review, and interview with director Peter Craze.

Producers European Arts Company have announced that the show will be at the Trafalgar Studios for a strictly limited four week run.

A special Birthday Gala performance will take place on Thursday 16th October at 7.45pm (Oscar’s Birthday) with further details to be announced soon.

Thursday 14th February 1895 was the triumphant opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest and the zenith of Oscar Wilde’s career. Less than 100 days later he found himself a common prisoner and sentenced to two years hard labour. But what happened during the trials and what did Wilde say? Was he harshly treated or the author of his own downfall? Using the actual words spoken in court, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed genius – as this less than ideal husband was tragically reduced to a man of no importance.

The West End run of The Trials of Oscar Wilde will also help to support the educational work of the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall. Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall says: ‘Despite being one of the best-loved and most influential playwrights of all time, some people don’t know that Oscar Wilde was persecuted for his sexuality. ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’ helps to show these parts of Wilde’s life and beautifully illustrates the complexity of a true genius. We’re thrilled that European Arts Company are supporting our work and delighted that money raised from the West End run will support our work to tackle homophobic bullying in schools.’

The show features a talented cast familiar from stage and screen, including John Gorick (Holby City), Rupert Mason (Eastenders, A Touch of Frost) and William Kempsell. It is directed by Peter Craze (Doctor Who, Blake’s Seven) and produced by John O’Connor for European Arts Company.

For all the latest news, follow @OscarWildeTrial on Twitter.

Tickets can be booked through ATG.

Greg Jameson
Greg Jameson
Book editor, with an interest in cult TV.

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