"A Haaaaaaandbaaag?!!" - well, no, not really.. more of a ladies' Puma sports bag actually.... (the logo is immaterial...!)
Yes, this was Altrincham Garrick's latest production of the Oscar Wilde favourite, 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', but not as we know it. Updated to the present day, with references to politics, social media, computers, and goodness knows what else, the script had been changed somewhat to reflect our current times. It did however still retain most of the original dialogue, and hereby hangs the rub. Wilde's writing is extremely stylised, a true comedy of manners, and his speech patterns and rhythms seemed to be at odds with the modern world and references thrown in. It didn't quite work, but it was a brave effort and once one became used to this, it became much easier to accept.
A striking and actually quite simple set design of a single angular wall dividing the stage which turns round from town house to country worked surprisingly well, and Nick Sample's direction was a pure joy. Obviously Sample has a great sense of impish fun, which was shown throughout, adding his own little comedic touches. The production was slick and tight, and the overall arc of the production was considered and well-placed.
To my surprise, a short scene in the second act - which is normally omitted, and not even printed in some playscripts, a scene involving a certain George Gribsby - had been included in this production, and it was the first time that this particular reviewer had seen it performed live. And although I understand it's omission, it was extremely interesting to see it performed, as it did add another layer of deceit, duplicity, comedy, etc, that would not have been there without it.
Heading a strong cast were our two would-be Earnests; Chris Shoop-Worrall as Algernon Moncrief, and Jamie Sloan as John (Jack) Worthing. Both had made their characters their own, and showed a lovely understanding of both their roles and their characters' development. Playing 'against' them were their two love-interests; Antonia Whitehead as a very forthright, commanding, determined Gwendoline, whilst Lauren Robinson's Cecily Cardew was no less determined but a little more demure. Again they worked well both individually and together, and as a foursome the quartet were formidable.
Adrian Grace gave a very understated and believable portrayal of a village vicar, Rev. Dr. Chasuble, and Sarat Broughton gave a very secure performance as the unwitting germinator of the whole farce. Sarah Kirk gave the role of Lady Bracknell a new, modern, and interesting style, but for this reviewer at least, it felt a little out of kilter with the domineering 'gorgon' that she really needs to be. Gwendoline's character was a Lady-Bracknell-in-training, and I was waiting for the full force of her 'majestic indignation' which sadly never materialised.
A very proficient and focused production, which may not be to everyone's liking, but one cannot deny that the cast gave excellent performances, the direction was clever and original, and the play still extremely funny and well worth the braving the inclement winter weather to be so entertained.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 16.1.23
on - 16.1.23
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