Photo: Simon Harrison (as John Worthing), Russell Dixon (Lady Bracknell), and Natalie Grady (Gwendolen).THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
By Oscar Wilde
Manchester Library Theatre Company until 3rd July 2010
Review by Brian Gorman
The Library Theatre is one of Manchester’s most cherished institutions. Nestling comfortably beneath the Central Library, it offers a genteel refuge from the cares of the outside world. This week sees the last production take to the stage before the company packs its bags and prepares for life above ground. There will be several shows staged at The Lowry in Salford Quays, with other work in non-theatre sites around Manchester, before the company take up residence in their new home, at The Theatre Royal, in Peter Street in four years time. The Library Theatre Company’s first production, back in 1952, was Oscar Wilde’s celebrated play ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’, in which this most charming man mercilessly satirized the decadent ruling classes of the day. Age has not withered this vibrant, sparkling and hilarious piece of candy floss, which is as enjoyable a theatrical experience as it ever was; and a suitably fitting choice for the closing production. Artistic Director Chris Honer has delivered a gorgeous piece of work, leaving his faithful audience with a smile on their faces and a spring in their step as they clamber back up those endless stairs from a world less ordinary to a bustling St Peter’s Square. If it’s witty one-liners you’re looking for, they’re all here; a veritable Greatest Hits of Mr Oscar Wilde, with Judith Croft’s impeccably traditional set design anchoring the action in 19th century opulence. It’s a simple enough tale of the well-heeled and fashionable elite trading barbed witticisms whilst munching tea cakes and flouncing around thinking up new and amusing ways in which to pass the time. There’s no great message, no psychological analysis of any of the characters; just a big frothy concoction with the monstrously intimidating character of Lady Bracknell providing a gift of a part to, on this occasion, the actor Russell Dixon. Wisely underplaying, Dixon provides maximum entertainment when enunciating particular segments of dialogue and manages to milk virtually every line dry. Investing the names ‘Bunbury’ and ‘Prism’ with indecently huge significance, he had the audience in stitches. Played in a deadpan fashion, this was no camp pantomime dame either; and Dixon pitched his performance perfectly. One of the funniest creations I’ve seen on stage in a very long time, and no wonder one particular actor found it difficult not to corpse at one point. Alex Felton as the feckless Algernon was full of puppy dog energy and posher than our new PM. He provided a great double act with the upright and manly Simon Harrison as John Worthing, the unfortunate chap found abandoned as a baby in a rather large handbag. He lost both his parents, you know, which was very careless of him according to Lady Bracknell. Natalie Grady as Worthing’s hardnosed fiancé, Gwendolen Fairfax, provided a frightful younger version of Lady Bracknell; while Florence Hall as Cicely was her perfect opposite number; indescribably pretty, and sweeter than sweet. Olwen May, who really could double for Kristin Scott Thomas played the dithering Miss Prism, terrified as a rabbit when caught in the headlights of Lady Bracknell. A charming near-cameo from Malcolm James as the dotty old Canon Chasuble, and a solid, ramrod straight Leigh Symonds as the hired help, barely concealing his contempt for the wastrel fop who pays his wages, completed a fine ensemble. I loved it.
By Oscar Wilde
Manchester Library Theatre Company until 3rd July 2010
Review by Brian Gorman
The Library Theatre is one of Manchester’s most cherished institutions. Nestling comfortably beneath the Central Library, it offers a genteel refuge from the cares of the outside world. This week sees the last production take to the stage before the company packs its bags and prepares for life above ground. There will be several shows staged at The Lowry in Salford Quays, with other work in non-theatre sites around Manchester, before the company take up residence in their new home, at The Theatre Royal, in Peter Street in four years time. The Library Theatre Company’s first production, back in 1952, was Oscar Wilde’s celebrated play ‘The Importance Of Being Earnest’, in which this most charming man mercilessly satirized the decadent ruling classes of the day. Age has not withered this vibrant, sparkling and hilarious piece of candy floss, which is as enjoyable a theatrical experience as it ever was; and a suitably fitting choice for the closing production. Artistic Director Chris Honer has delivered a gorgeous piece of work, leaving his faithful audience with a smile on their faces and a spring in their step as they clamber back up those endless stairs from a world less ordinary to a bustling St Peter’s Square. If it’s witty one-liners you’re looking for, they’re all here; a veritable Greatest Hits of Mr Oscar Wilde, with Judith Croft’s impeccably traditional set design anchoring the action in 19th century opulence. It’s a simple enough tale of the well-heeled and fashionable elite trading barbed witticisms whilst munching tea cakes and flouncing around thinking up new and amusing ways in which to pass the time. There’s no great message, no psychological analysis of any of the characters; just a big frothy concoction with the monstrously intimidating character of Lady Bracknell providing a gift of a part to, on this occasion, the actor Russell Dixon. Wisely underplaying, Dixon provides maximum entertainment when enunciating particular segments of dialogue and manages to milk virtually every line dry. Investing the names ‘Bunbury’ and ‘Prism’ with indecently huge significance, he had the audience in stitches. Played in a deadpan fashion, this was no camp pantomime dame either; and Dixon pitched his performance perfectly. One of the funniest creations I’ve seen on stage in a very long time, and no wonder one particular actor found it difficult not to corpse at one point. Alex Felton as the feckless Algernon was full of puppy dog energy and posher than our new PM. He provided a great double act with the upright and manly Simon Harrison as John Worthing, the unfortunate chap found abandoned as a baby in a rather large handbag. He lost both his parents, you know, which was very careless of him according to Lady Bracknell. Natalie Grady as Worthing’s hardnosed fiancé, Gwendolen Fairfax, provided a frightful younger version of Lady Bracknell; while Florence Hall as Cicely was her perfect opposite number; indescribably pretty, and sweeter than sweet. Olwen May, who really could double for Kristin Scott Thomas played the dithering Miss Prism, terrified as a rabbit when caught in the headlights of Lady Bracknell. A charming near-cameo from Malcolm James as the dotty old Canon Chasuble, and a solid, ramrod straight Leigh Symonds as the hired help, barely concealing his contempt for the wastrel fop who pays his wages, completed a fine ensemble. I loved it.
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