The Importance of Being Earnest is one of the most famous plays to ever be staged. Fans of the play have no doubt also seen the film, and the play is constantly staged with new troupes. Due to popular demand companies have been staging it more and more and now, Oscar Wilde’s notorious work has finally made its way over to Broadway HD. The Classic Spring Theatre Company presented this version of the piece at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End in 2018, but to those who missed it or never saw it, now’s the time and it can be done at home.
Jack and Algernon are the play’s main focus. Jack, in his true existence, is a man with numerous responsibilities and obligations to attend to. He’s created an alias in that of ‘Ernest’, his ‘brother’ who is always getting into trouble which pulls him away from his duties. This of course is a charade he’s created so as to allow him to leave in order to fulfil his pleasures. When in London, Jack IS Ernest, and the title of which Algernon knows him by. Algernon suspects Jack of leading duel lives and confronts him about it, Jack succumbing to his questioning. The fun however, only begins from there. What once was just a name soon creates complications for both Jack and Algernon, as Jack attempts to court Gwendolen and Algernon takes interest in Jack’s ward Cecily.
This version of Wilde’s play was staged by a company that knows exactly what they’re doing. Nothing is out of place in the tech department, set, directing, or the performances. The sets are immaculately designed with extensive detail in every location the story takes place. The lighting washes the set with veracious color that fits every scene, conveys every mood, and expresses the tone of the overall show. The performances are sharp and the actors display an intelligent understanding of Wilde’s writing. Fehinti Balogun takes Algernon to the next level with a confident exuberance, playing of Jacob-Fortune-Loyd’ more standoffish portrayal of Jack. Sophie Thompson commands everyone’s attention as Lady Bracknell, and Fiona Button charms and amuses as Cecily. The actors work together in tandem with one another with an unfaltering chemistry that lasts from start to finish in this farcical classic comedy. It’s hard to find fault, even if looking for it.
The Importance of Being Earnest will always find a home on the stage
The Importance of Being Earnest will always find a home on the stage, because of how timeless the story is and with how wittingly written it is thanks to Oscar Wilde. This probably won’t be the last version of the show this column covers, but for now it’s the most recent and it certainly is up to the standard it deserves. The Classic Spring Theatre Company’s version is on Broadway HD for those with a subscription, but if just to see this play alone, it’s worth shelling out for even just a month’s time. How long it will be there is presently uncertain, so get it while it’s hot!
