The Importance of being Earnest

When entering the theatre the set was on view and what a set it was !The authenticity of furnishings in Algernon Moncrieff’s flat which served through Act 1 was excellent.It is so good to see quality being used on stage with food and drink especially, and when it is being served it is essential that the audience is convinced that it looks as real as possible. This happened with sandwiches and tea being served properly and was real and very impressive.

The entire cast were so good with some spot on characters in all parts.

Charles Vaughan playing John Morris in his debut role with CADS was excellent. Spot on with mannerisms and timing and his upper crust style was so good. Matched well with Nathen Johns as Algernon Moncrieff (again in his debut role with the company) sustained a believable character.

The dialogue betwee Algernon and John was really good and flowed well.

Vicky Tearle as the dominant Lady Bracknell looked every inch the part and delivered her lines so well.

 It was credit to the company also to have in total four new members with two new ladies in the parts of Cecily Cardew played by Kerryalice Hartnett, and the Hon.Gwendolen Fairfax played by Maria Christina Ava Lara.

Both ladies looked so elegant .and I was very impressed at the confidence in their characters with both looking so natural and at ease on stage,two really important important characters in the play. and both gave individual performances.

The Reverend Canon Chasuble played so well by Francis Bye gave a quirky almost joyous feel to his part .Francis is a seasoned actor and gave this part the wealth of experience.

Keith Sippett again a real trouper with the company for many years, as Merriman and Lane brought so much to both parts,both rather elderly butlers which the audience found very amusing and Brenda White Robinson as Miss Prism who had a fondness for the Rev Chasuble another stalwart of the company playing a great variety of roles over the 23 years with CADS. Brenda always has great stage presence and this was a good part to play.

In the Interval leading up to Act 11 the stage crew were very busy changing the entire set to a garden at the Manor House.

Again a first class set complete with trellis,flowers,garden furniture an arbour etc it was so quickly changed and looked very fresh and springlike. Well done to all backstage in the transformation.

The costumes were all super and fitted well.Perhaps a liitle more attention to the length of the gents trousers could have been observed?

All in all a splendid production and a very enjoyable one to watch.

I look forward to “Run for your Wife” a Ray Cooney comedy later in the year.

Thank you to all Front of House for their hospitality and assistance which is always appreciated.

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