‘A Haaandbag?!?’ – The Importance of Being Earnest, Churchill Theatre, Bromley 03.04.2018

Having been parted for quite some time, I was returning to the Churchill for the Press Night of the classic Oscar Wilde comedy play The Importance of Being Earnest. I had never seen this play before, always intrigued me to see what made it such a classic. I wasn’t disappointed.

I took my seat in Row M seat 37, stage right to the show the performance is very central and shortened to suit the stage. No obstructions throughout, faces and voices heard throughout.

The play is a based in and first performed in the Victorian era, it has gone on to be performed and loved by many of the public. It is a part comedy, part farce and part Wilde with its criticizing the classes, morals and manners of the strict code of the day. The story follows two men, Jack (Ernest) and Algernon (Bunbury) who create a seperate personas alongside their christian names which at times they use to their advantage, especially when they want to ‘disappear’ from their responsibilities. However when their respective aliases are uncovered this causes confusion, and many misunderstandings. But when the separate lives become unseparated we see a ‘happily ever after’ ending where Jack may not be lying for all this time of his true identity!

Portrayed in 3 acts (intervals are given in between each), in the time of two days, having not seen the show, and shockingly not knowing much about the story only that it is a well known comedy I came in blind. It was great fun and enjoyable throughout, its not too tricky to follow, flowing throughout each act. At times it can be predictable but then that’s what they want, leaving you to await for the characters to realise themselves, chuckling to yourself throughout. I can only imagine that these plays are what have influenced our British comedies today, as you see glimpse of them throughout the play. Director Alastair Whatley, have clearly directed his cast to portray this performance to the best of its comic brilliance, ensuring the audience will enjoy from start to finish.

Tonight’s cast were:

Algernon Moncrieff – Thomas Howes
Lane/Merriman – Simon Shackleton
Jack ‘Earnest’ Worthing – Peter Sandys- Clarke
Lady Bracknell – Gwen Taylor
Gwendolen Fairfax – Hannah Louise Howell
Moulton – Judith Rae
Miss Prism -Susan Pengaligon
Cecily Cardew – Louise Coulthard

Rev.Canon Chasuble – Geoff Aymer

Peter Sandys-Clarke takes on the role of Jack brilliantly, that the audience immediately are warmed by him. At times his motions and characteristics reminded me that of Niles from Tv Show Fraser. He was a great joy to watch, creating the role perfectly with the story. His other leading man Algernon played by Thomas Howes, takes comedy in his stride with each line delivered excellently which was well received by the audience, cheeky in his own way he too has everyone loving him awaiting to see what he will do or eat next! Both leading men play off each other well, with great duo moments – especially the wrestling and tea cake throwing!

Hannah Louise Howell was on tonight as Gwendolen, sharing the role alongside Kerry Ellis she was a proper as one can be! Strong in character, she portrayed a women who will get what she wants even if this meant going against her Mother Lady Bracknell Gwen Taylor who displayed excellent power in her role. Cecily played by Louise Coulthard is one all girls can relate to, with her imagination brought to life through her diary that all girls dream of will come true. Her character was great to watch, with each line delivered comedy through her actions and voice.

Although this play has a small cast, it allows each character to be seen throughout, even those who may not have many lines are given moments to shine especially those of the butler and maid, Simon Shackleton and Judith Rae who take on two persona’s themselves for two different classes. The whole cast have taken the story and performed it to the best of their abilities guaranteeing a great night at the theatre and enjoy a classic. I can now see why it is a comedy Classic, it is a story that can be adapted and played in so many ways that allows it not to be forgotten.

The Importance of Being Earnest plays at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 7th April, for ticket information go here to the main Churchill website, it will then continue its UK tour, for all information go here.