The Importance of Being Earnest

It is always a pleasure to go back to what I regard as my “home patch”, and I cannot commend highly enough the sheer amount of time and effort that Rob Williams and his team put into sustaining one of the country’s oldest Georgian working playhouses thriving in Wisbech, with a non-stop annual programme at the heart of the local community.

The theatre has also honed its own young talent over the years, and this production of Oscar Wilde’s classic used experienced performers, alongside giving the opportunity for others to take on their first major roles and gain essential acting skills that by being in a play can give. I sincerely hope that stage plays continue to form a central part of the Angles Theatre’s programme in the years to come.

The set was a collaborative achievement, bringing together cast members, long-standing group stalwarts, and the Angles team. It consisted of manoeuvrable flats, one side depicting Algernon Moncrieff’s London flat for Act One, and the garden of Jack Worthing’s Manor house, for Acts Two and Three. It had been nicely furnished with a period sofa, chair, outdoor furniture, and tables; It was good to see drinks being poured into the tea set, and the cucumber sandwiches and sponge cakes that were consumed throughout the play for each performance must have kept somebody busy!

It was a pleasure to see Bob Kynnersley return to the stage, taking on the dual roles of Lane and Merriman. As Lane, he captured the character’s satirical edge and dry pessimism, delivering witty lines with finesse. In contrast, his portrayal of Merriman, marked by a distinct change in accent and a keen sense of propriety, highlighted his versatility.

Similarly, it was a welcome return to the stage for Helen Jones as Miss Prism. Her performance was warm and assured, and she struck up an excellent rapport with Leslie Judd as the Reverend Canon Chasuble. Together, they brought charm and gentle humour to their scenes, a delightful pairing.

Wendy Coles delivered an excellent portrayal of Lady Bracknell, making the role distinctly her own rather than relying on more traditional, stereotypical interpretations. Her performance was both commanding and fresh, bringing individuality and nuance to the character while still capturing her formidable presence and sharp wit.

In the roles of the love interests Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, Melissa Middleton and Anna Fairbrother were both superb, each demonstrating a stage maturity well beyond their years. Their celebrated tea scene was a particular highlight: Gwendolen’s polite insistence on having no sugar or cake, only to be deliberately served both by Cecily, was played beautifully. The subtle facial expressions, carefully judged reactions, and underlying tension between the two characters conveyed their mutual suspicion and rivalry, making the moment both sharply comic and thoroughly engaging.

Martin Lightburn brought all his experience to the role of the idle and cheeky Algernon Moncrieff. His performance being full of charm and confidence, he was the perfect foil against his brothers plans.

Finally, Rowan Fox-Noble was outstanding as older brother Jack Worthing. His comic timing was impeccable and reactions both physically and facially to the ongoing farce saw him as the pivotal anchor throughout the play.

My congratulations to Director Gay Hoyle, and Assistant Director Ian Jones, plus thanks to all at the Angles Theatre for a very enjoyable evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.