“I can resist everything. Except temptation." - Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde wasn't just a well-received writer and playwright in the 1890s — he was a sensation of his day, and arguably the creator of the modern celebrity. But how did this eccentric and flamboyant character rise to become one of London's A-list socialites in just a few short years? This is the story of one of the most popular playwrights of the 19th century, whose legacy remains as important and relevant as ever.

Join New York Adventure Club as we travel back to 19th-century London to trace the life and legacy of Oscar Wilde, a famous Irish playwright who experienced incredible fame and celebrity status before seeing it all disappear in equally dramatic fashion.

Led by Simon Whitehouse — actor, award winning London Blue Badge Tour Guide, and member of the Oscar Wilde Society — our virtual experience surrounding Wilde and the "naughty (eighteen) nineties" will include:

• A virtual visit to important sites that inspired Oscar's works, from the elegant townhouses of aristocratic Mayfair, to the queer underworld, to his home and neighborhood in bohemian Chelsea
• A discussion around the forgotten St. James Theatre to relive the glittering premiere of Oscar’s most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest
• The story of Oscar's inability to ‘resist temptation,’ which led to a sensational criminal trial of the age, effectively ending his prolific career
• Still-standing locales throughout London that Oscar frequented, including a florist where he created his famous ‘green carnations’, the oldest hat shop in London where he bought a new hat (but failed to pay the bill), and a cigar merchant that still retains Oscar’s bankruptcy notice
• How Oscar’s legacy has been preserved over a century later, including his hotel suite where you can stay, a moving memorial on the platform of London’s busiest railway station, a memorial window in Westminster Abbey, and the place where you can still have a ‘conversation’ with him in the heart of London’s West End

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Simon — any and all questions about Oscar Wilde are welcomed and encouraged!

Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Simon

Simon is an award winning London Blue Badge Guide, arts lecturer, presenter and recovering actor. He guides a wide variety of themes and subjects with a passion for theatre, literature & art history/ He has worked for the BBC, the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery, & Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre & London and is currently on the faculty of Ithaca College,London Centre. Instagram @bluebadgesimon.

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: Virtual, Moments in History