I thought my life was going to be a brilliant comedy. I found it to be a revolting and repellent tragedy."

These are the words of Oscar Wilde. Now considered one of the greatest playwrights of the 19th century, his brilliant career was brought to a shuddering halt in his own lifetime after he was imprisoned and eventually broken because of his homosexuality.

The rise and fall of one of the most colourful characters in English literature is revisited in this show, which stars its creator, Patrick Marley, in the lead role.

In the course of the story, performed by two actors, we encounter Wilde himself, his friends and enemies, and many more of the flamboyant characters of the fin de siecle era.

Based on letters, diaries, reminiscences and contemporary accounts, as well as Wilde's plays and other writings, the show perfectly illustrates Wilde's theory that life and nature imitate art.

May 17, Theatre Royal Winchester. Performance: 7.30pm. Tickets: from £7.50. Box office: 01962 840440.