REVIEW: The Importance Of Being Earnest
The Importance Of Being Ernest is hilarious, well-acted and promises to be an enjoyable OuTa Town’s production of the Oscar Wilde classic night at the theatre. Wilde’s dialogue is delivered cleverly in a farcical manner. This is a literary masterpiece that has withstood the ages.
Wilde’s commentary on English society in the 1800s is rich in witty satire. Cast members look authentic and well suited to the era, costumes are new and dapper. Wilde introduced a new character to the Victorian melodrama genre, the figure of the “dandy” (a man who pays excessive attention to his appearance). This is his trademark and is partly autobiographical. There are two dandy rich bachelors in this period comedy piece, Algernon Moncreiff (Eli Gallagher) and John ‘Jack’ Worthing J.P (Shane Imbert).
Wilde’s ability to see human nature in all its flair and folly have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest his most enduring play, seeing it staged professionally hundreds of times since its premiere in 1895 and adapted into numerous films, operas, musicals and TV productions. Its 2002 film adaptation starred Reece Witherspoon and Colin Firth.
At heart a love story, the play involves eight actors, comprising of two potential couples, an aging ‘gorgon’ Aunt, a governess, a Reverend and a butler who doubles up as a manservant. With three acts, the first set in Algernon Moncrieff’s flat in London, the second and third are at the Manor House, rural Woolton. The narrative climax in the story surrounds an abandoned carpet bag at Victoria Station, many years ago, an absurd coincidence, and the resolving of what the Aunt calls a ‘societal indiscretion’.
Giving insight into the English Aristocracy, their world is presented as blatantly and ostentatiously artificial and full of hypocrisy. Right up until the end the play demonstrates the Importance of Being {called} Ernest.
Until Apr 2, Various performance times. Zenith Theatre, Cnr McIntosh and Railway Street, Chatswood. $30-$40+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.ticketek.com.au
Reviewed by Mel Somerville.
