The Importance of Being Earnest

One of my very favourite plays is in production at Neptune Theatre right now. The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde was penned in 1895 and is still just as funny today as it was 117 years ago. It is a sparkling romantic farce poking fun at the silliness of social order and I enjoyed it immensely! Neptune’s production does the play proud.

The language is the star of this play. Such brilliant wit and absolutely delightful wordiness that does not bore but entertains. I was in awe of the actors ability to memorize and spill the words out effortlessly and convincingly.
The cast worked beautifully together but the stars of the show for me, are Michael Therriault as the enthusiastic and enterprising Algernon, Chilina Kennedy and her adorable interpretation of self absorbed Cecily and Vanessa Walton-Bone brilliant as Lady Bracknell. Really everyone was terrific but these three shone for me.The smart set and costumes also provided a lovely glimpse of Victorian England

Oscar Wilde was one of the literary world’s great writers who unfortunately died penniless at aged 46 in Paris after serving two years in prison on charges of being homosexual. It was on  the opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest in 1895 that the events that led to his downfall were set in motion. I wish he could have known what an impact his life and work would have on the world all these years after his death. 
This is a close up of his grave in Paris. Covered in lipstick kisses from members of both sexes it finally had to be covered by a glass shield to protect it.You can read the story about that here ( I have to admit my wee kiss is there too) He is famously known to have said on his deathbed
“My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has got to go.” Such a character.