Classic satire from one of the greats opens in Grantham next week

Lady Windermere’s Fan group shot – L:R Front: Nick Kyme, Victoria Dexter, Leigh Matsell.
Rear: Nicki McKay, Carla Hibbitt, Sharne Gimbert, Briony Sparrow, Gary Munro

Can a mystery woman and a simple fan really derail a happy family? Lady Windermere’s Fan is a
classic play that still speaks to today’s audiences, and it’s Grantham Dramatic Society’s next
production at the Guildhall Arts Centre, open from Wednesday 13 November.

The story follows Lady Windermere, who discovers, on her birthday, that not only has her husband
been connected with another woman, he wants to bring her to Lady Windermere’s birthday ball
that evening. As her idea of her perfect life starts to fall apart, Lady Windermere is forced to face up
to her preconceptions of what makes ‘a good woman’.

Described as a sparkling satire this was the first hit play from legendary wit Oscar Wilde, the author
of The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. Exploring Victorian morality
with all its strict rules and contradictions, Lady Windermere’s Fan is still full of pithy insights into
human nature, love and redemption.

Lord and Lady Windermere, Lord Darlington – L:R: Victoria Dexter, Leigh Matsell, Nick
Kyme

It’s a play that has spawned a wealth of quotes, most famously “We are all in the gutter, but some
of us are looking at the stars”. Audiences can look out for other quotable moments, such as “I can
resist anything except temptation” and “Scandal is gossip made tedious by morality.”

Director Rosemary Gibson said: “I’ve wanted to bring this show to Grantham for ages; like so much
of the best writing, it’s a story that seems to be relevant no matter what year it’s performed in. Its

subtitle is ‘A play about a good woman’, and as an audience we’re forced to join Lady Windermere
in considering whether being good is really that simple.

“I’m lucky to be working with a fantastic cast of talented actors, as well a dedicated and creative
backstage team. This is going to be a special show for us, full of nuanced characters and moments
of real emotion and drama. The whole team have worked hard to bring a slice of period drama to
life, and we can’t wait to share that with audiences.

“What I’ve been reminded of most during this show is how performing arts can help people
develop and get creative. It can be great for mental health, making new friends and learning to
express yourself. We hope people will come and see the show, and then be inspired to join us, as
we’ll be casting for our next production – Calendar Girls – immediately after this one ends!”

‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ will run at the Guildhall Arts Centre from 13 to 16 November 2024, with
curtain up at 7.30pm nightly. Tickets are on sale now from
https://tickets.granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk/ . Alternatively, call 01476 406158 or drop in to the
Box Office on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am – 2pm. The Box Office is
open 45 minutes before shows, and tickets can also be booked via email at
box1@southkesteven.gov.uk.

Tickets: £13 and concessions or groups (6 or more) £11 each.

GDS encourages people of all backgrounds who are interested in making new friends and sharing or
learning new skills to get in touch via www.granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk or
info@granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk .

Lord and Lady W, Mrs Erlynne – L:R: Victoria Dexter, Sharne Gimbert, Leigh Matsell