The Importance of Being Earnest
Review by Sam
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Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy is flamboyantly reimagined by director Max Webster in this lavish new production for the National Theatre.
The farcical comedy tells the story of Jack and Algernon as they lead double lives in order to avoid social obligations. However after falling for two eligible ladies, they find themselves caught in a web of lies which they must attempt to carefully navigate. Webster has reinvigorated this national treasure of a play with his own sparkling interpretation, leaning heavily into the queer nature of the text which Wilde was famous for. He has created a perfect version of the play which Wilde would have been proud of.
The production is a dazzling display of comedy and high-camp anarchy through its phenomenal direction, side-splitting performances and impeccable set and costume design. Rae Smith transforms the stage into the most lavishly rich scenes, each flooded with gorgeously beautiful costumes to help enhance the already spectacular performances.
The entire cast are spectacular with not a single bad link in this joyous chain. Sharon D. Clarke and Julian Bleach give stand out performances, however it is Ncuti Gatwa and Hugh Skinner that lead the piece. Both actors personify the flamboyance of their characters as they command the stage with a majestic nature. They have highly engaging chemistry and clearly have a lot of love for this incredibly playful production. Multiple improv comical moments had me in stitches, as both Gatwa and Skinner attempt to cause the other to break character mid scene in the most hilarious of ways.
Modernisation also plays a crucial role in keeping the show relevant with contemporary audiences, as modern pop songs are cleverly incorporated with brilliance. I was wiping away tears of laugher at Jack and Algy’s hilarious rendition of James Blunt’s “Your Beautiful” in an attempt to win the ladies hearts.
Webster has truly deshackeld Oscar Wilde’s play with his gorgeously rich comical re-staging. The performances are hysterical in this flamboyant play which had me howling with laughter from beginning to end.