An Ideal Husband at La Boite. 2022. Photo by Morgan Roberts.
AN IDEAL HUSBAND
“The legless lizards would have relocated on their own if they had the legs to make the journey.”
An Ideal Husband is a hilarious, high-camp makeover of Oscar Wilde’s classic social satire. Reimagined through a 1990s Australian lens, the play merges Wildean wit with political corruption, pop culture, and suburban scandal.
Set in Canberra, Treston’s adaptation stays true to the spirit of Wilde while offering a delightfully absurd and deeply queer interrogation of power, principle, and public image.
Production
La Boite Theatre Company (2022)
Directed by Bridget Boyle. Set and Costume Design by Chloe Greaves.
Cast: Will Carseldine, Kevin Hides, Billy Fogarty, Hsiao-Ling Tang, Emily Burton, Kevin Spink, Christen O’Leary.
Awards & Recognition
★ NOMINATED – Matilda Award for Best New Australian Work (2022)
Praise for An Ideal Husband
“From start to finish, An Ideal Husband is incredible fun... Fantastic stuff. Miss it at your peril.” – ★★★★★ The AU Review
“A perfect storm of humour, political commentary, heart, and deeply fruity behaviour... a triumph in Queer Australiana.” – Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane
“Treston’s writing is sexy, satirical and satisfying.” – Theatre Haus
“Blends Wilde’s wit with 90s pop culture and Australian politics.” – ★★★★ Limelight
“Saucy, tantalising, scintillating and fresh.” – ★★★★½ Scenestr
“Campy humour and political rompery.” – Blue Curtains Brisbane
“A retelling of an 1895 play… that still manages to make incisive commentary AND the audience howl with laughter.” – ★★★★★ Broadway World