The Importance of Being Oscar is Micheál Mac Liammóir’s homage to the intriguing life of Oscar Wilde. This one-man show sees Alastair Whatley tackle the role of numerous characters (including Wilde himself), however Whatley’s main success of the play is attributed to his role as a storyteller, as he captivates the audience with only his dialogue for
an hour and a half. The script feels tailored to Whatley, who handles the complexities of Wilde’s life with incredible delicacy.
The whole performance has an intimate and expensive feeling, which is ironic as the set (Madeleine Girling) consists only of a luminous white ring. Props are hardly used, however the use of a lamp in the first half enhances the homely, intimate feeling as if we are intruding in somebody’s lounge. Music (Barnaby Race) is scarcely used but when it is, it is done so softly and the tones ooze intrigue and thoughtfulness. The costume design contains warm tones which enhance the comfortable yet formal feel to the audience’s experience.
The play is paced perfectly, balancing serious and humorous tones. A scene depicting both is the interchange between the stiff, upper-class Lady Bracknell with her future son-in-law. Admittedly, The Importance of Being Oscar is a sophisticated piece that is tailored to a theatre-loving audience, and prior knowledge of Oscar Wilde is helpful but not necessary. Children and those interested in light-hearted entertainment may not find the piece to their liking as the play demands a willingness to learn.
Due to the barren set, Whately commands the performance, a task he excels in with his eloquent and enthralling narration. Whatley does not falter or stutter once, an impressive feat upon discovering that this was Whatley’s return to the stage since 2017, suggesting there is personal importance of the play for the actor himself. Furthermore, Whatley previously starred in a remake of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest (hence the pun in Micheál Mac Liammóir’s title) proving he an appropriate mouthpiece for Wilde.
The play was recorded at Reading Rep Theatre, a perfect location as it is a short distance away from the historic Reading Gaol, where Wilde himself was imprisoned as alluded to in the play itself. Themes of art, love and acceptance are prevalent throughout the play. The piece is immensely thought-provoking and acts as an unexpected social commentary of
Wilde’s experience in the society of the 1890s. Ultimately, it forces viewers to acknowledge the lingering importance of individuals like Wilde in the battle for equality.
The Importance of Being Oscar educates viewers and I found it made me more appreciative for my mundane life. The piece is a tribute to the Original Theatre who celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. The play is impressionable, no member of the audience would leave the performance doubting the importance of Oscar.
The Importance of Being Oscar is available to stream now with a subscription fee, alongside many other exciting productions. For more information, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Marc Brenner
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