An Ideal Husband,Egerton United Reformed Church

AN Ideal Husband is not one of Oscar Wilde's easiest dramas to stage because of its wordy speeches and complex plot, but the nine-strong cast of Egerton Players should be commended for giving such fine performances.

The story revolves around a complicated trail of deceit and muddles set in 1890s London.

Mrs Cheveley has mysteriously returned from Vienna determined to ruin the career of upstanding family man and politician Sir Robert Chiltern for her own financial gain. But she has not banked on the loyal determination of his wife or his best friend, who just happens to be her ex-fiancee.

Angie Lomas is outstanding as Mrs Cheveley, while Frank Lynch's performance as Sir Robert is completely convincing.

Theatre newcomer Jonathan Simmons, as wayward fop Lord Goring, gives an excellent and compelling performance, but the whole cast should be congratulated for transforming what could have been an unfathomable tale into something accessible.

Carol Fielding, Walmsley AODS and Greenwoods of Bury all deserve a mention for providing some amazing costumes.

My only gripe would be that two-and-a-half hours at any theatre can be gruelling. An Ideal Husband runs until Saturday. Jane Bullock