Oscar Wilde’s Women

May 10, 2017: Oscar Wilde’s Women by Howard Timms and devising team
Cheltenham Playhouse 
In this dramatic comedy, two Cheltenham women cheer up Oscar Wilde – who’s dying, exiled, in Paris. Amelia and Christina, campaigners for women’s votes, seek Oscar’s support. Amelia argues that only direct, disruptive action can force government support. But Christina believes that poems, songs, and marches will secure women’s suffrage.  Both women seek Oscar’s support for their case. He responds with charm and empathy — amusing, bemusing, and reconciling his visitors then bewilders them into agreement about the future of the suffrage movement. The performers and devisers were: Amelia — Sophie Flowers; Christina — Marilyn Timms; Oscar — Howard Timms. My seventh production at the Playhouse, this was devised as a Fundraiser for Cheltenham Poetry Festival and the Playhouse Theatre.