Oscar Wilde's trial and imprisonment - a short play

This short play explores the trial and imprisonment of Oscar
Wilde. In 1895 the celebrated author and playwright was found
guilty of gross indecency and sentenced to two years
imprisonment, with hard labour. The words are taken directly from
records held by The National Archives, particularly the petition
that Wilde made to the Home Secretary seeking early release, and
letters written about him to the governor of Reading Gaol.


This play was first performed as part of The National Archives;'
Victorian Crime night in October 2016 and was subsequently
performed as part of 'Museums Showoff', 'OUTing the Past
Festival' and a 'Queer and the State' event. Find out here how we
brought Oscar Wilde's words to life.


By Caroline Osborne-James


Cast (in order of appearance):


Narrator: Lucy Fletcher

Oscar Wilde: Gary Thorpe

John Sholto Douglas (Marquess of Queensbury): Kevin Chambers

Lily Wilde: Fleur Soper

Chaplain: Liz Bryant

An Irishwoman: Clarissa Angus

More Adey: Jon Ryder-Oliver