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Oscar Wilde moved to London in the late 1800s where, before long, he would become the city’s most popular playwright. On this walking tour, I’ll show you the places the Irish-born writer and poet frequented, and share details about his life here and the work he created. You’ll also hear about some of the people he knew, and two other earlier trendsetters, Lord Byron and Beau Brummel. The tour starts in front of Devonshire House. From there, I’ll point out the theatres, shops and hotels Oscar Wilde frequented, many of which remain in the aristocratic areas of Mayfair and St James. Outside Brown’s Hotel, I’ll tell you the story of Wilde’s conviction and imprisonment for homosexuality, which was illegal during his lifetime. I’ll also show you the former site of St James’s Theatre, where two of Wilde’s plays had their premieres. You’ll stroll down Pall Mall, where I’ll point out several prominent members-only establishments, including the Royal Automobile Club, the Reform Club and the Athenaeum Club. Outside the Theatre Royal Haymarket where our tour ends, you’ll hear how a palm reader rightfully predicted Wilde’s ruin at the age of 40. Along the way, Blue Badge guide Brian Cookson will point out sites like: • Berkeley Square, where some of the characters in Wild’s novel, *Dorian Gray*, lived • The Royal Arcade, where Oscar Wilde’s poem *The Ballad of Reading Gaol* was published after his release from prison following his conviction as a sodomite • Albany Chambers, the home of Dame Edith Evans, who inspired Lady Bracknell in the classic 1952 film *The Importance of being Earnest* • Hatchards Bookshop, whose owner was friends with both Wilde and his wife, Constance • Lock & Co Hatters, where Wilde bought his hats, including his favourite Fedora • The Royal Academy of Arts where Wilde and James Abbott McNeill Whistler (the American painter) gave lectures which led to the end of their friendship By the end of this 45-minute tour, you’ll have walked down the same streets and through the same squares as Oscar Wilde. You’ll also have a deeper appreciation for the writer’s life in London.
Price: £9.99 from VoiceMap
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| VoiceMap | £9.99 | Go to shop |
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