Review: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Royal Exchange Theatre

Photo credit: Johan Persson

As one of the most acclaimed works of the Irish author, playwright, and poet, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest graces the stage of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester as a part of the theatre’s summer season. This classic play was originally performed in 1895 and is a satirical depiction of the societal norms and conventions of its time.

Multi-award winning director Josh Roche brings Wilde’s work to life for the unique in-the-round performance space of the Royal Exchange Theatre, with support from Assistant Director Oliver Hurst. Sometimes, when plays written in an older time period are updated to relate to a modern audience, it can be quite clear that changes have been made but with this production of The Importance of Being Earnest, dialogue has only had very minor alterations from the original play and have been integrated into the script in such a way that additions feel so in tune with the original playwright’s style and feels as if any modern references were written in by Wilde himself. Of course, the most obvious sign of the play’s 21st century setting is the use of smartphones but director Roche has incorporated them into the narrative in such a way that they add another layer to the satire and again, seem as though Wilde had intentionally written his play to include smart phones – particularly in moments when Cecily speaks alone, which is done as a young girl sending a voice note gossiping to a friend.

Oscar Wilde was known for his flamboyant sense of style as well as his literary accomplishments, so he likely would’ve approved of Eleanor Bull’s positively pink set design. The main playing space features chic modern furniture, which is used throughout the performance but is the primary setting of the beginning of the play in Algernon’s London home. Surrounding the main stage are several pink fluffy mounds, which look similar to rounded privet hedges (and almost cloud like) with sculptures dotted amongst them, and suspended above the stage is a gorgeous chandelier-like structure of pink flowers; all of the pink scenery creates an idealistic and picturesque setting for the garden of Mr Worthing’s manor house.

The ensemble of eight actors in this play each have their individual moments to shine, but the chemistry between each and every one of them is clearly brilliant and really brings to life the various characters and relationships of the story. Abigail Cruttenden’s portrayal of Lady Bracknell is dynamic and feels very real – she’s precisely the image most would conjure up in their minds when they think of an upper-class controlling parent, and Cruttenden has managed to execute that perfectly without it feeling stereotypical. Both of the “Earnests” of the story are tremendous in all of their scenes, whether it be as solo performers or interacting with the rest of the cast, but especially when both Robin Morrissey as Jack and Parth Thakerar as Algernon occupy the stage together.

It is not surprising that Wilde’s comedic play is full of genuinely funny moments, but on top of Roche’s direction and the performances of the entire cast, some moments are elevated further through lighting and sound. Lighting designer Johanna Town and sound designer Sam Glossop have not only done an excellent job in creating ambience for each scene but, along with Roche, they have carefully considered moments in the play that may not originally have been seen as comedic but have seized the opportunity to make the audience laugh using lighting and sound to heighten parts of the onstage action.

A play that feels just as relevant today as when Oscar Wilde initially wrote it in the 1890s, Josh Roche’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest is a witty and wildly funny success. With such clever and humorous writing, it is clear why this comedic satirical piece is the most famous of Wilde’s plays, but this production in particular deserves to be seen by all, as the collective efforts of the cast and creative team have elevated an already fantastic play to another level to create this terrific piece of theatre.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

The Importance of Being Earnest plays at the Royal Exchange Theatre until 20 July, with further info here.