The Importance Of Being Earnest

How wonderful it was to step into the timeless classic of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest yesterday evening at The North Wall. Having seen the production quite a few times I almost found myself mouthing along with some of the unmatchable lines. However, Tomahawk Theatre Company fully made last night their own and almost made me hear some of my favourite quotes for the first time.

Beginning in Algernon Moncrieff’s ‘Bachelors establishment’, we instantly warm to the loveable character (a glistening performance from Tom Bateman) and sit back as we watch him introduce us to the wonderful friends and relatives who are inevitably destined for mishap and confusion during the next few days of mistaken, and indeed misplaced, identity. The irresistible quibbles and verbal sparring flow continually throughout and were delivered wonderfully by the entire cast, in particular Mary Stuck who delivered an absolutely fabulous performance as the infamous and formidable Lady Bracknell.

For anybody who, like me, is more than familiar with this classic masterpiece or indeed for anybody who has never before seen The Importance of Being Earnest I would recommend it as a wonderfully told piece of theatre.

19/12/09

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What a delight it was to leave the freezing night outside and enter into the warmth of The North Wall arts centre in Summertown. There we were able to enjoy Tomahawk’s (www.tomahawktheatre.co.uk) delightful production of one of Oscar Wilde’s classic plays, The Importance of being Earnest.

It was the perfect antidote to concerns about Christmas presents not yet purchased, unfavourite relatives shortly to be visited, and (in my case) central heating that refuses to work. It is a crackerjack of a play, from which brilliant sayings burst forth at will:
“Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?”
"I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance.”
“I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.”

But it is more than just a collection of bon mots. It is also a well crafted play, with mistaken identities, three love stories and opportunities for the cast to spread their wings. Indeed one of the strengths of the production was the uniformly high quality of the acting, without anyone wildly upstaging the others.

The North Wall itself is one of my favourite venues in the area, different and intimate, and this really is a perfect pre-Christmas treat. In addition, there is Salma Caller’s intriguing exhibition “Intricate Tales” to enjoy while you have an interval drink. Do go!

Peter Tickler (DI Reviewer), 18/12/09

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