The Importance of Being Earnest

Synopsis

Classic turn-of-the-century comedy of social manners. A very complicated plot that includes the famous "A Handbag!" line .. Jack Worthing is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, daughter of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, and cousin of his friend Algernon. They cannot wed until the mystery of his parentage (he was found in a handbag on Victoria Station) is resolved. Algy discovers that Jack has a pretty young ward, Cecily, living at the Manor and visits her pretending to be Jack's fictitious (and wicked) brother Ernest.

Our Review:

Lindsay Sykes - 16 April 2013

The Importance of Being Earnest is Wilde's excellent comedy of manners, marriage and mis-identy, with some points as pertinent now as when it was first staged in 1895.

The plot revolves around the farcical situations two men around town get themselves into by leading double lives and trying to marry the girls they love. Secrets and lies lead to deeper misunderstandings making the situation rush from sublime to ridiculous as their double lives get ever more complicated and characters make startling discoveries about both their lives.

Tom Butcher is amiable Jack, Ernest ,the child left in Victoria Station. Jim Alexander is Algy Moncrieff, also Ernest, who is intended to supply the most laughs and manages that in bucket loads. Gerry Hinks' physical comedy while Merryman serves tea is hilarious; Corrinne Wicks and Fiona Organ shine in their love-hate double act as Gwendolen and Cecily.

For me the star of the show was undoubtedly Becky Hindley shining as Lady Bracknell...

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