The Importance of Being Earnest

              Its high farce and witty dialogue help make this Oscar Wilde’s most famous and well liked play. First performed on 14th February 1895 it is a “trivial comedy for serious people.” Despite its early success, Wilde’s (then) notoriety relating to his involvement with Lord Alfred ‘Bosie’ Douglas caused the play to be closed after only 86 performances. The play mocks Victorian traditions and social customs relating to marriage and the pursuit of love in particular. Wilde also borrowed some ideas from W.S.Gilbert’s farce “Engaged” which had been published some 18 years previously, particularly the “gravity of tone” that Gilbert had demanded of his actors. Director Alan Robey ensured that this was similarly adopted. There was also much attention to detail in this well-rehearsed play that enabled the cast to deliver fantastic characterisation. Andrew Key was faultless in his performance as John Worthing JP, as was Oliver Guilliatt playing the foppish Algernon Moncrieff. As the formidable Lady Bracknell, Mary Rudkin was superb at making her nonsense statements with an air of authority that made them sound credible. Joanne Moules as The Hon Gwendolen Fairfax was perfect in her discreet flirting with Jack Worthing. Charlotte Shearsby as Cecily Cardew delivered a great performance which resulted in her winning the heart of Algernon Moncrieff. Stella O’Shaughnessy, as the guilt ridden Miss Prism, rapidly seized on an  expression of tender feelings by The Rev.Canon Chasuble DD, played by Paul Sproxton  and thus another pairing was initiated. Both manservants, Lane, played by Jonny Hoare and Merriman, played by Jeff Hemsley, were perfect models for the station in life that they occupied.

              The design and construction of the sets was first class and the lighting plan very effective;   Costumes were extremely appropriate and well-fitting. However, the most outstanding aspect of this show was undoubtedly the clear diction and projection of the player’s voices. Well done all who were concerned in the delivery of this high quality entertainment!

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