A Small Mind At The Theatre

There is no stopping the sharpness of Oscar Wilde's wit, and The Importance of Being Earnest is probably his best-known play, and while Original Theatre Company's touring version doesn't present it at its best, it is still an entertaining evening at the theatre. Jack loves Gwendolen, Algernon decides he loves Cecily, Lady Bracknell disapproves, and both Gwendolen and Cecily can only love Earnest, oh and it also includes a handbag. Major confusion and comic situations ensue. The Importance of Being Earnest in this form is curious, for the most part, it has solid and reliable performances from its cast. Peter Sandys-Clarke cuts a fine figure as Jack Worthing and captures his willing attempt at maintaining dignity impressively as the ridiculous events envelop him. Likewise, Thomas Howes suits the buffoonery of Algernon Moncrieff very well, deftly, and often, casting himself across various pieces of furniture. However, despite this, there remains a lack of that special ...

It is still a relatively rare event that I venture into the theatre environment knowing the play that I am about to see. However last evening for my latest trip to the wonderfully cute playhouse, Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest was one of those rare occasions. The latest Masque production, directed by Robert Kendall with a lively flair on the compact stage was once again going to provide a hugely enjoyable evening. The Importance Of Being Earnest is an endlessly funny play of confusion, social commentary and farce, revolving around fake relations and false names which needs seeing rather than explaining. Our opening characters are Algernon Moncrieff (Robin Armstrong) and his manservant Lane (a suitably droll Craig Macpherson). They comfortably set the scene of a typical upper class environment, with Robin a gloriously precise deliverer of his lines, eater of muffins and cucumber sandwiches. He also has a particularly perfect timing for the most rude and comical li...