A Woman of No Importance

Literature loves a strong, protective mother. Whilst Molly Weasley, Catelyn Stark and Miss Honey might have had their own specific worries, none of these were fighting the prejudice facing Mrs Arbuthnot. A single, unwed mother in the Victorian times was not destined to have a good time.

In this witty play we peruse the workings of upper class parties in the Victorian era, England. Mrs. Arbuthnot learns that her grown son has been offered a job with Lord Illingworth. Instead of her being thrilled, she does everything she can to stop him. Upon finally finding out why, well, let’s just say, there’s enough drama to fill a play. Mrs. Arbuthnot utters one of the most iconic lines in theatre when asked who’s glove has been left on her floor. She replies "a man of no importance" - burn. A witty take on the lofty idealism of the British class system by Irishman Oscar Wilde.



Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet, famous for ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ and ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ to name a couple. He was believed to be gay and met a lot of resistance in his life on that account. He died in Paris at the age of 46.