LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN

Oscar Wilde's play is part of a welcome revival of recorded drama. Lady Windemere was first produced in 1892 and launched Wilde's succession of society comedies. Less well-known than The Importance of Being Earnest , this play should reach a wider audience with recorded performances. An Ideal Husband, in revival on Broadway, along with A Woman of No Importance and Earnest , are all available from Penguin. An outstanding British cast includes Stephanie Beacham as Mrs. Erlynne, the mysterious woman who enters the lives of Lord Windemere (Nicky Henson) and his Lady (Jenny Funnell), and Christian Rodska as Lord Darlington. All the actors have fine stage credits, and Rodska is also known to audiobook listeners for many exceptional narrations for Chivers Audio Books. The actors offer rich and memorable characterizations. Listeners can delight in a text form originally designed for multiple voices. The inclusion of stage directions provides insight to the dramatic timing. Other than Shakespeare there are few full-length recordings of plays available. The audio presentation encourages a contextual understanding and appreciation of the literature--useful for the classroom, as well as individuals. Wilde's irreverent wit and satire of social conventions shine in this fine production. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]