A CONSTELLATION of acting talent will shine in a performance of Oscar Wilde's sparkling comedy An Ideal Husband at the Bath Theatre Royal in July.

The star-studded production transfers exclusively to Bath from the West End, as the curtain rises in the Main House on Theatre Royal’s 2018 Summer Season

This Rolls Royce of English comedies stars real-life father and son Edward Fox and Freddie Fox, Susan Hampshire, Nathaniel Parker, Frances Barber and Sally Bretton, in a new production of one of Oscar Wilde’s finest dramatic works directed by Jonathan Church, artistic director of the Theatre Royal Bath’s summer seasons.

Set in London in 1895, Wilde’s drama about political corruption, blackmail, scandal-loving journalists and the pitfalls of holding public figures to high moral standards, displays his characteristic sparkling wit and humour. It concerns the fortunes of Sir Robert Chiltern, a promising politician, destined for the highest office, wealthy and adored by his wife. He is unquestionably an ideal husband. Until, that is, the enigmatic Mrs Cheveley appears in London with a damning secret from his past that could ruin both his career and his marriage.

Starring as the Earl of Caversham, triple BAFTA winner Edward Fox is one of this country’s most eminent actors. His distinguished career has seen him star in numerous iconic British films including the Oscar-winning Gandhi, The Day of the Jackal, and most recently, the role of Horace Delaney in the BBC1 drama series Taboo.

Freddie Fox, who plays the role of Viscount Goring, starred in the title role in the BBC’s adaptation of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, played Marilyn in Worried About the Boy, appeared in the BBC drama Parade’s End and recently starred in Russell T Davies’ hit show Cucumber and its companion series Banana.

Three-time Emmy Award winner Susan Hampshire stars as Lady Markby. One of the UK’s most popular actresses, Susan’s illustrious career on stage and screen includes her role as Molly in sixty episodes of the highly successful BBC series Monarch of the Glen. She gained international acclaim and her first Emmy Award for playing Fleur in the original landmark television series of The Forsyte Saga.

The role of Sir Robert Chiltern is played by Nathaniel Parker. One of the nation’s favourite actors, his many television roles include Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, in seven series of the BBC hit, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Agravaine in Merlin.

Frances Barber, who plays Mrs Cheveley, is famous for her role in Silk, and starred in Doctor Who.

An Ideal Husband runs at the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday July 18 to Saturday August 4. Tickets are £27-£41.50 plus a £1.25 booking fee. To book, call the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk.