Lady Windermere's Fan

Lady Windermere’s Fan

By Oscar Wilde

 

Exeter Drama Company

28th September 2023 at 7.30pm

Directed by Ian Guy

This celebrated play written by Oscar Wilde is a story full of deceptions and misunderstandings.

It is set over one day, from a Tuesday afternoon at 5pm, just as Lady Windermere prepares for her coming-of-age birthday celebrations, through to midday on Wednesday with a baffling and incredible act of motherly love. 

Classical music is played as the audience take their seats and the play begins as the curtain is raised. The set is of a sumptuously dressed morning room of the home of Lord Windermere. The set created by the company, has a large painted arched window, flats either side, decorated with a painted bookcase and pictures.  The four entrances created were perfect for the play to flow, one to the patio and three more leading to other parts of the home. The furniture, also of the period, consisted of a cream chaise longue, a writing bureau, coffee table, and painted bookcase, with a side table containing a vase of flowers being carefully arranged by Lady Windemere.  Delightfully dressed in a white lace dress and pearls this actor produced a performance of worth.  With clear diction and a composed and confident yet emotional portrayal we feel her anxiety regarding her husband’s suspected infidelity and her confusion with Mrs Erlynne’s presence in his and her life.  Her reactions to Lord Darlington as he attempts to persuade and entice her with his charms, such as ‘do let us be friends, you may want a friend one day’ showed her confusion and naivety of society. Lord Darlington, played by an actor of some quality was naughty and manipulating just as he should be. Charmingly dressed in a morning coat, beautiful waistcoat, cravat and ‘kerchief and every inch a lord, this was a natural and believable performance.

The garrulous Duchess of Berwick was very comical and delivered her lines beautifully with a clipped English accent, having some of the best one liners in the play such as ‘men become old, they never become good’, this actor had incredible timing with such a wordy script and was perfectly cast.  Again, beautifully costumed in a red and black two- piece taffeta suit with bustle, an outstanding black and red feathered hat, stunning pearl earrings and a silver topped walking cane. Her over-protected daughter, The Lady Agatha produced a cleverly restrained performance in contrast to her powerful mother, and this was perfectly judged as was her enthusiasm when she matches up with the outrageous ‘Australian’ Mr Hopper.

Lord Windermere is a concerned man. He cannot tell his wife the truth of her past, her mother’s existence in the world and his need to protect her at all costs without breaking her heart. A difficult part to portray but well played by this actor. His anxiety is palpable when he is accused of infidelity and his deep love for his wife when manipulated by Mrs Erlynne and was directed well,  with compassion.

I loved the portrayal of Mrs Erlynne, a loving mother but an exceptional manipulator of men. Beautifully dressed in a gold two-piece evening dress with a gold feathered headdress and a stature of such poise and elegance was so watchable and gave a strong, emotional and witty performance.

Witty and clever was Lord Augustus Lorton, again superb comic timing as he talks with his chums and is lovesick for Mrs Erlynne. Mr Dumby a clever depiction of a middle-aged man, who likes a drink and appreciates woman ‘clever woman that Mrs Erlynne’ and has been ‘madly, wonderfully adored’ in the past.

A notable performance was that of the actor playing Mr Cecil Graham, great voice, great presence and some great one-liners, very funny.

This company of actors always provide a cast of quality and there were a number of excellent cameo roles from the actors portraying Lady Stutfield, Mrs Cowper Cowper, Lady Plymdale and Lady Jedburgh. Mr Hopper with a lively portrayal and a believable ‘aussie’ accent. Rosalie, Lady W’s maid, managing teacups and numerous props was delightful. However, mention must go to the butler, Parker depicted as highbrow and committed to the Windermere’s like a father, an actor with good stage presence.

As always, I was very impressed with the quality and thought shown by the costume department. They are magicians or have a secret stash of costumes for every era. Each actor was dressed perfectly as were the hairstyles and added accessories of hats, gloves, jewelry, adding to the authenticity of the piece. Well done indeed to Lynda Anning.

Lighting was sensitively created showing the differing times of the day and evening and my sincere congratulations to the set building team who created a realistic set and subtle changes for act III into Lord Darlington’s rooms.

This was a most enjoyable performance by all and well directed and produced by Ian Guy. I always look forward to visiting Exeter Drama Company and I am always delighted with the standard of theatre they produce for their audiences. This was no different and I congratulate you all.

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative Mid and East Devon

 

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