The Trials of Oscar Wilde transfers to West End

John O'Connor for European Arts Company presents The Trials of Oscar Wilde, by Merlin Holland and John O'Connor, which will open at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 14 October 2014, following a preview performance on 13 October, and will close on 8 November 2014. The play is transferring to the West End following a 43 date UK Tour and a run at St James Theatre, near Victoria in central London.

The Trials of Oscar Wilde is directed by Peter Craze, with set and costume design by Dora Schweitzer and lighting by Duncan Hands.

Synopsis: "Thursday 14 February 1895 was the triumphant opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest and the zenith of Oscar Wilde's career. Less than 100 days later he found himself a common prisoner and sentenced to two years hard labour. But what happened during the trials and what did Wilde say? Was he harshly treated or the author of his own downfall? Using the actual words spoken in court, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed genius - as this less than ideal husband was tragically reduced to a man of no importance."

Co-writer Merlin Holland is Oscar Wilde's grandson and is the author of 'Irish Peacock and Scarlet Marquess: The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde'. His grandfather would have celebrated his 160th birthday during the play's opening week.