Lady Windermere's Fan

I listened to this play on the strength of always enjoying Juliet Stephenson's performances and having acted in The Importance of Being Ernest at school. I could not have chosen a more sublime way to spend 1 hour and 38 minutes than Lady Windemere's Fan. It was so satisfing to listen to Lady Windemere's despair as she who took so much pleasure in her sensible morality found herself enmeshed in the very situation she had condemned - and yet her character was rendered so sympathetically I was practically clutching the edge of the table by the end! Lord Darlington was divine - how I wish that he would stroll through my door right now. Lord Windemere was absolutely compelling - whilst Lord Darlington would sweep me away, it would be Lord Windemere I would want by my side always. And Mrs Erlin - so fascinating - her chitchat with those she so wanted to be associated with often made my toes curl and yet she too underwent such a metamorphosis - for a few minutes at least! - that I felt totally drawn to her. And I loved "Yes Mama" Agatha - go girl! Each of the readers was sublime - Juliet Stephenson did not disappoint - both she and the reader who played Lady Windemere were full of such potent emotion I could both see them and feel their panic. The readers of Lord W and Lord D were heroic! And Wilde's script - well does he deserve such fame for his cutting comments on his society - and even more tantalising - every assessment made by his characters perfectly suited the behaviour of those who surround us - and ourselves! - today. I must highly recommend this play and cannot wait to listen to it again. Oh, and the sound quality was perfect.

If you enjoy Oscar Wilde, you'll undoubtedly love this recording of one of his most interesting plays. Juliet Stevenson as Mrs. Erlynne seems to sashay into your living room, and the other characters are portrayed with equal competence and elan. The vocal quality of this recording is also excellent ... nothing scratchy, noone bellowing from the end of a long tunnel!