THE New Egerton Players' next production is Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband.

Rehearsals are now under way for the play, which, even though written in 1893, is still relevant, with issues surrounding financial and ministerial scandals, the place of the press and women in politics, and the problems of adult sons with aged fathers.

All of these feature against a backdrop of Wilde's wit and a romantic element which is handled with a warmth and delicacy. The text has been slightly condensed to accommodate a cast of nine.

It will be performed under the direction of Jack Fielding. The play runs 7.30pm, from Wednesday to Saturday, December 5 to 8, at Egerton United Reform Church, Egerton. Tickets are available from 593979.