‘Aristocratic snobs exchanging witty quips’ is a simplistic summary of this classic Wildean society play. Written in 1892 to entertain London’s middle classes, the text explores and satirises the moral and social facets of domestic tension using Wilde’s favourite plot-mechanism of a woman with a past.
This ambitious amateur production by Oxford Dance Theatre begins with a curious, pseudo-symbolic set of tableaux swiftly introducing the performance-proper. We are treated to four acts during which the audience is brought into degenerating world of whispering and disapproval. This is highlighted by the presence of an intelligent American girl named Hester (Aliki Salter) who although tiresomely worthy has more rational views of the lives of the English than they themselves.
The contrasting acting techniques (both stylised and realistic) fuse well: the cast are confident and evidently enjoying themselves. Laughs come from the submissive Sir John (Brian Drowley) and his battleaxe of a wife (the excellently bossy Val Shelley). Helen Wilson’s poignant performance as the distressed woman of the title is exceptional, however the whole ensemble deserve credit. The 1920s costumes are appropriately hideous and the set simple yet effective.
Although the ticket prices are on the steep side, it’s definitely worth popping down to George Street for a couple of hours of gasps and laughs.
This ambitious amateur production by Oxford Dance Theatre begins with a curious, pseudo-symbolic set of tableaux swiftly introducing the performance-proper. We are treated to four acts during which the audience is brought into degenerating world of whispering and disapproval. This is highlighted by the presence of an intelligent American girl named Hester (Aliki Salter) who although tiresomely worthy has more rational views of the lives of the English than they themselves.
The contrasting acting techniques (both stylised and realistic) fuse well: the cast are confident and evidently enjoying themselves. Laughs come from the submissive Sir John (Brian Drowley) and his battleaxe of a wife (the excellently bossy Val Shelley). Helen Wilson’s poignant performance as the distressed woman of the title is exceptional, however the whole ensemble deserve credit. The 1920s costumes are appropriately hideous and the set simple yet effective.
Although the ticket prices are on the steep side, it’s definitely worth popping down to George Street for a couple of hours of gasps and laughs.