Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is part of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre's 2024 Summer Season, in which you can expect moonlight flicks, comedy gigs, live music, street food and great live theatre with three productions running alongside each other.
This classic comedy by Wilde follows Jack Worthing (James Sheldon), an orphan who likes to escape for a while and parties in London under the guise of his fictional brother, Earnest. Alongside him, the disdainful but nontheless charming Algernon (Lucas Button), who is equally entangled in a web of playful deception. The characters come together to navigate a world of mistaken identities, societal expectations and defying the odds as we discover the very importance of being Earnest.
Wilde's script is full of satire and timeless humour that it feels impossible to not be swept away in the pure escapism and joy of live theatre with this production. This adaptation is brought to life by many of the cast of Gangs of New York (which is one of the shows currently running alongside at the theatre) and it's incredibly impressive to see the complete versatility within the abilities of the cast, adapting from a serious and emotional show, to a show that is absolutely bonkers and doesn't take itself too seriously.
Button is a delight to watch as Algernon and has the audience in the palm of his hands. Button is incredibly charming and builds up a good rapport with his co-lead Sheldon, as they bounce off each other well with perfectly timed comedy. Sheldon is equally impressive as Worthing, delightfully lapping up the humour of Wilde's writing but slightly venturing off script in some hilarious moments. It is the moments of breaking character between Button and Sheldon that are some of the funniest parts of the evening.
Whilst having slightly less stage time than her role in Gangs of New York, Hanora Kamen still makes her mark as Gwendolen. Alongside Yolanda Ovide as Cecily, the duo are charismatic and hilarious and really enhance the audience's experience.
Direction from Natasha Rickman ensures that the space is utilised really well, using the in the round space to their advantage. Elizabeth Wright's production design is elegant and stunning, perfectly encapsulating society in that era and bringing the production to life with limited props and set pieces. Ieuan Reeve once again hits the mark with striking lighting that is stunning against the darkened outdoor theatre.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a delightful and light-hearted production, the perfect Summer evening entertainment with a joyful escape at the theatre. The Importance of Being Earnest runs at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre until 1st September - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Mark McNulty
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