“The most entertaining play at this year’s festival.” – THE LIST, Edinburgh

“Hightly effective and charismatic theatre.”  - VILLAGE VOICE, New York

“If young people need to be persuaded to go to the theatre this is the company to see.” – SUDKURIER, Germany

Director’s notes/Description

CANTERVILLE GHOST was written by Oscar Wilde, the master of the polished surface which hides a complex truth. The British aristocracy are portrayed as foolish and murderous, the Americans as brash and insensitive. Wile’s sympathy is reserved for the young American, Virginia, who he takes on a curious voyage of adolescent discovery.

To dramatize the story is to deal with the Duke’s question to his wife: what happened to Virginia when she is locked away with the ghost? This is rather rough and ambiguous finale to a fairy tale and it reflects on Wilde’s own tortured desire to tell the truth despite his dazzling skill at hiding that truth. Despite its contradictions and evasions, THE CANTERVILLE GHOST is still a fairy tale story. We have tried to do justice to his skill and bring the story’s themes alive for a contemporary audience. Because the story is also a satire we have updated the satire, and where we have taken liberties with the plot or text we have tried to do so in the spirit of Oscar Wilde.

Remarks: Tickets for TNT Theatre Britain presents Classic Comedy: The Canterville Ghost are available now!