The Importance of Being Ernest

First performed in 1895. this well-known and much loved comedy is still popular today because of its witty dialogue and well penned characters. The staging was kept simple with a few pieces of well chosen furniture and some excellent props, and this worked well. Lighting and sound were good and the costumes fine, although not entirely in period for every character. However, it was the quality of acting that really shone in this production.

Algenon Moncrief had an easy charm on stage as the idle young gentlemen. He managed to deliver his dialogue with excellent diction, despite munching his way through quite a number of dainty cucumber sandwiches and bread and butter.

Jack Worthing, aka Ernest, was a very believable character and had a good relationship with Algenon. He delivered his lines beautifully, and gave a very natural performance.

Lady Bracknell was a tour de force. The formidable mother of Gwendolen commanded the stage in every scene and performed with authority and good humour. A really excellent performance. Bravo!

Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, Jack Worthing’s ward, were every bit the sophisticated ladies, in love with who they each believe to be ‘Ernest’. As the story unfolded, they handled the comedy well and each gave first rate performances.

Miss Prism, Cecily’s governess, was extremely amusing. Her characterisation was superb and her scenes with Dr Chasuble, the parish priest, were particularly strong. Likewise, Dr Chasuble was likeable and comical in his scenes.

Lane, Algenon’s manservant, Merriman, Jack’s butler at his country house, and Mr Gribsby, the solicitor all contributed to what was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable production.

This play was beautifully directed, with each character given the opportunity to shine and very believable relationships developed throughout. The director never allowed the pace to drop and ensured there was lots of detail to hold the audiences’ attention throughout. There were no weak links, with every actor giving superb performances and this meant the audience could fully enjoy the witty writing of Oscar Wilde whilst appreciating the artistry of those on, and off, stage

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