The Lace Market Theatre: The Importance of being Earnest

“The Importance of Being Earnest” is one of those plays that as the story unfolds you recognise quotes from it. First performed in 1895 it’s widely regarded as one of Wilde’s masterpieces. A satirical comedy that lampoons the social conventions and attitudes of the Victorian era.

The plot is at times silly and ridiculous. The absurdities of the plot revolve around the use of fictitious identities and misunderstandings to explore themes such as social expectations, love, marriage, and the triviality of societal norms.

The two main characters, Jack Worthing (Matthew Thomason) and Algernon (Algy) Moncrieff (Daniel Potts), invent fictional people to help them through the complexities of their lives, romantic pursuits and social obligations. Jack creates a fictional brother named ‘Ernest’ as an excuse to escape his responsibilities in the countryside and lead a more fun life in London. Algy takes a similar approach with ‘Bunbury’ who he has created to avoid social obligations.

The plot makes a few twists and turns under the influence of an imposing Lady Bracknell (Carol Parkinson) who plays a pivotal role in the story. A strict believer in the societal norms of the time she imposes rigorous criteria when it comes to suitable suitors for her daughter Gwendolen Fairfax (Charlotte Thomas). This leads to additional complications for all the characters’ romantic pursuits. After all the course of true love never runs smooth.

Add to this a beautiful young ward Cecily Cardew (Lowenna Quantick); a three-volume novel, a lost baby and a handbag and you have an entertaining confection that pokes fun at the absurdities of a society that places a high value on appearances and trivialities.

It’s not an easy play to perform with the wordplay and witty verbal gymnastics expected of the actors. This production at The Lace Market Theatre directed by Nicole Drive doesn’t disappoint. There are laugh out loud moments as the cast deliver Wilde’s well-known witticisms. 

Matthew Thomason and Daniel Potts (who has more than a passing resemblance to another acting Daniel – Radcliffe) give performances that capture the personalities of the characters well. Despite his deceptions, Jack is ultimately portrayed as a caring responsible person whilst Algy’s easy charm, wit and cynicism is perfectly portrayed. Both actors give a masterclass in delivering convoluted comic lines whilst eating. No easy feat.

The scene between Cecily and Gwendolen where they both think they are engaged to the same Ernest is a delight. Lowenna Quantick embodies Cecily as an independent spirit with a passion for romance and a quick mind. Charlotte Thomas as Gwendoline has great comic timing and exudes confidence in her stage presence.

Though there are central characters, The Importance of Being Earnest is ultimately an ensemble piece. All the characters deliver witticisms which contribute to the story unfolding. The pursuit of an unaware Dr Chasuble (David Dunford) by the educated Miss Prism (Cynthia Marsh) is very amusing and well played.

Bernard Whelan and Rupert Butt as servants Lane and Merriman respectively help remind the audience of the class distinctions and social attitudes of the time.

The simple stage design works well allowing the scenes to move from Algy’s London flat to Jack’s country house. As do the costumes and props which are well chosen and help set the play’s time and place.

This was my first visit to The Lace Market Theatre and based on this production it certainly won’t be my last. After all, as Wilde puts it “I can resist everything except temptation.”

The Importance of Being Earnest runs at The Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 16th Dec.