Oscar Wilde still relevant and funny with ‘Importance of Being Earnest’
Oscar Wilde would be right at home in 2015 with The Importance of Being Earnest, rebroadcast via Fathom Events from the October production from the Vaudeville Theatre in London.
Comedic jabs at the institution of marriage appeals to one crowd while the mocking of the uber wealthy and snobbish leftists is sure to appeal to others.
Set in Victorian England, two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, pose as Ernest to court two young ladies, but tangled in their net of lies and master plans. Their deception turns to hilarity as their double lives collide and true motives are unmasked.
David Suchet is best known with audiences around the world for his role as Agatha Christie’s Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, but shines as Lady Bracknell.
Cast photo from “The Importance of Being Earnest” photo Nobby Clark, courtesy of Fathom Events
No offense to Suchet, but the Wilde dialogue and the rest of the cast were fantastic: Emily Barber (Billy Liar, Cornelius, The Hired Man), Michael Benz (Downton Abbey, Hamlet, As You Like It), Philip Cumbus (A Touch Of Frost, My Hero, Hope and Glory), Imogen Doel (The Get Out, Gastronauts), Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do Ave ‘Em, Captain Jack, The Witches) and Richard O’Callaghan (Carry On Loving and Carry On at Your Convenience, Casualty).
The popular “handbag” joke was actually a big let down compared to other productions. Staging and costumes were spot on and the cast’s chemistry was perfect.
The Importance of Being Earnest receives 4 out of 5 stars.
Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy various events in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and events visit the Fathom Events website.
