REVIEWS REVIEWS
Amusement and entertainment were the expectations of the audience in the opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Theatre Royal in Bath, and this is exactly what they received. For many, the well known plot would be anticipated, so it relies on the director Christopher Luscombe and his cast to interpret and provide enlivenment to the script to keep the audience engaged. This was achieved through strong performances of Lady Bracknell (Wendy Craig), Miss Prism (Josephine Tewson) and Algernon Montcrieff (Adam James), whose experiences in theatre performance ensured fluid movements and lively variations in moods and speech. The discovery of the subterfuge that Algernon and John Worthing (Andrew Havill) were engaged in, through their escapes to the country or town, left a delightful scene between Gwendolen Fairfax (Hattie Ladbury) and Cecily Cardew (Olivia Darnley), where they veered between pleasantries and animosity. However, there were times when the continuous, agitated movements of each of these characters detracted from the relationship and the importance of their words. Resolution to the problem of Gwendolen wanting to marry “Earnest” was achieved and brought spontaneous applause from the audience.
For those who wish to see an easy to digest play, with a well known cast, this is a good option, but it may not be for those who are looking for a more dynamic evening. © JG
“The Importance of Being Earnest” is in Bath on the 16th of Frebruary until the 28th of February, 2004.
