The Importance of Being Earnest - Review by Michael Williamson for NODA
- This was an ambitious choice by this relatively new society but I was impressed by the hard work that had obviously gone into ensuring that the production was an enjoyable one. The attractive programme and the varied sound effects produced a nice period atmosphere but I was a little disappointed by some apparent lack of attention to detail in the costumes. This was particularly apparent in the absence of hats and gloves etc. for some of the characters which tended to jar a little. However, as I attended the dress rehearsal this deficiency may well have been remedied before opening night. There were two particularly strong performances by Daniel Haslop as Algernon and Robert Bush as Jack, which had the effect of maintaining a strong pace throughout. The two men complemented each other very well and are to be congratulated on their clear an effective interpretations. Theyw ere suitable partnered by Lyndsey Goddard as Gwendolen and Jessica Garrett as Cecily. Jessica, in particular, captured the period flavour of the comedy perfectly. Unfortunately, Elver Langley's forceful performance as Lady Bracknell was hampered by a rather slow and deliberate delivery. Again, this may have imporved as the week proceeded. In lesser roles, Michael Grosvenor Myer and Ruth Bramley were well partnered as Canon Chasuble and Miss Prism while Michael Walters gave an excellent cameo performance as Lane. In general, this was a well directed production by Gina Keene and the company rose to the challenge.
The Importance of Being Earnest - Review by Rosemary Westwell
- HAmDramS’ Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham gave Oscar Wilde’s flow of witty humour excellent value. Larger-than-life characters, with strikingly clear diction and well contrasted tonal variety made familiar lines like “A Handbag!” unforgettable. The phenomenal amount of script the players needed to memorise makes this play a challenge to any amateur dramatic society and HAmDramS certainly mastered this challenge. Directed by Gina Keene, events were developed transparently by the players. Daniel Haslop was a splendid upper class lad about town: Algernon Moncrieff; Robert Bush was a very ‘earnest’ Jack Worthing and Elver Langley was a memorable all-consuming and haughty Lady Bracknell. Lyndsey Goddard played a picky and attractive Gwendolen Fairfax and Ruth Bramley as Miss Prism was a credible governess in her prime. Jessica Garrett played a convincingly passionate Cecily Cardew and Michael Grosvenor Myer, with an amusing tendency to deliver ponderous sermon-like platitudes, made a very plausible Canon Chasuble. Nicholas Chapman as Merriman and Michael Walters as Lane added a final authentic touch as patient, long-suffering staff. Costumes, staging and music were marvellous. They were meticulously selected and their fine quality helped to make this splendid production well worth attending.
- Quote of the Play: >
- Lady Bracknell: "A handbag?"
