A PLAY exploring private morals and public image, corruption in political life and the expedient choices people make to preserve their reputation is always going to be relevant.

The glamorous outsized frocks and decadent décor of the new production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband – part of the Bath Theatre Royal’s Summer Season – make it very much of its time, but the examination of wealth, power and ambition strikes sometimes unsettling contemporary chords.

This is a production with a stellar cast. Heading the bill is Edward Fox, a grandee of British film and theatre who began his career in the 60s and sprang to fame in the films The Go-Between and The Day of the Jackal. Here he is perfectly cast as the Earl of Caversham, the aristocratic father wryly disappointed by the self-indulgent lifestyle of his son, Viscount Goring – who is played by his real-life son, Freddie Fox.

Sir Robert Chiltern, the rising politician with a perfect reputation and a dark secret is played by Nathaniel Parker, and his adoring wife is Sally Bretton. Frances Barber plays the dangerous woman Mrs Cheveley, and Susan Hampshire is Lady Markby.

With such a well known cast, so many faces famous from the best of British film, theatre and television over decades, might this actually prove an overbalancing distraction?

Never fear: once the opening scenes are behind us and the play gets into its stride, Wilde’s superb writing and the sheer talent and professionalism of the cast ensure this is a memorable ride.

It is an odd one, An Ideal Woman, blending the wit and comedy of The Importance of Being Earnest with something more meaningful, and much darker. As Sir Robert contemplates the prospect of being torn to pieces by the press if his past is exposed, it is hard not to think of Wilde slammed into jail just after this play was put on at the Haymarket Theatre. As the play ends with reconciliation and happy marriages, in true comedy style, the audience applauds but remembers that Sir Robert has made no real recompense for his significant wrong-doing and indeed is set to pursue his ambition and achieve ever greater success. What exactly is Wilde trying to say?

The play offers much to think about, and pleasures on many levels. From the violinist opening the scenes to the opulent golden interiors, from the lush, brilliant coloured costumes to the vibrant performances, the whole production is a treasure.

It is hard to pick out performances in a uniformly outstanding cast, though Freddie Fox clearly has a whale of a time as Viscount Goring (he literally skips around the stage), the foppish dandy with a kind heart, as well as a penchant for a bon mot and a buttonhole. Susan Hampshire won the admiration of the audience in act III for her masterful comedic performance as Lady Markby.

An Ideal Husband runs at the Bath Theatre Royal till August 4. Tickets are £25.50 to £41.50 with concessions available. To book, call 01225 448844 or visit theatreroyal.org.uk.