Lady Windermere's Fan at Royal Exchange

LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN
By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Greg Hersov
Designed by Ashley Martin-Davis

The Royal Exchange Theatre
St Ann’s Square, Manchester
Wednesday 16 May – Saturday 23 June
PRESS NIGHT: Monday 21 May at 7.30pm


A major revival of Oscar Wilde’s classic LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN continues the Spring Summer Season in style at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre from Wednesday 16 May to Saturday 23 June.

Wilde’s first play, which bristles with some of his most deliciously funny one-liners, made him an overnight success when first produced in London in 1892.

A dazzling dissection of the manners, morality and double standards of Victorian high society, the action of the play centres on the young, rich, beautiful and newly married Lady Windermere.

On the eve of her 21st birthday, she receives a new fan from her husband. It seems like one of the best days of her life – but that is about to change. The mysterious Mrs Erlynne wants to be introduced to society and Lord Windermere invites her to his wife’s birthday party.

With all the elements of a racy thriller, the story explodes into a glorious tangle of jealousy, deception and intrigue as Lady Windermere heads towards impending disgrace. Who is Mrs. Erlynne? What secret is she hiding? And why can’t Lady Windermere ever know the truth?



Reflecting the Exchange’s ongoing commitment to re-imagining classic work, this new production reunites Royal Exchange Artistic Director Greg Hersov and designer Ashley Martin-Davis, who have worked together on acclaimed RET revivals of HAY FEVER, WIDOWERS’ HOUSES and PYGMALION. Greg’s other recent Exchange successes include ZACK, AS YOU LIKE IT and TWO

The cast includes Lysette Anthony as Mrs Erlynne. At the age of 16, she was heralded as the "Face of the Eighties" by photographer David Bailey.  She was a highly successful model before she became a household name as an actress at the age of 20. She is best known for her roles in Woody Allen’s film HUSBANDS AND WIVES and the long-running BBC comedy THREE UP, TWO DOWN. Last seen at the Exchange in HAY FEVER, other recent theatre credits include PRESENT LAUGHTER (UK tour); TONS OF MONEY (Theatre Royal Windsor and tour) and TALK TO ME LIKE THE RAIN (New End Theatre and Hackney Empire).

Also appearing are some familiar Royal Exchange faces, including Milo Twomey (Blithe Spirit); Laura Rees (The Vortex); Samuel Collings (Edward II, Lady From The Sea) and Oliver Gomm (Charley’s Aunt).

The cast also includes Benjamin Askew, Andrew Byatt, Eliza Collings, Timothy Knightly, Kate Layden, Bernice Stegers and Cameron Stewart.

The creative team is completed by Howard Harrison (lighting) and Emma Laxton (sound).

For more information and to book...  Click here.

Published: 19-Apr-2012: (1257)