The cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
With outstanding performances and contemporary touches, Josh Roche’s reimagined version of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST brings Oscar Wilde’s classic humour and themes of self-identity to a 21st-century audience.
Oscar Wilde’s classic play, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, receives a dazzling makeover for a 21st-century audience.
The well-known story of self-identity and quick humour follows the lives of the rich and the lost, who are all looking for something to do with someone they love. This production takes on an enjoyable, modern approach.
Jack and Algernon are rich but unfulfilled, determined to break free from their seemingly perfect lives. Bored of their material privileges, they escape their day-to-day lives in the pursuit of true love, all under the guise of ‘Earnest’.
The cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Director Josh Roche has retained much of the original play but given it a contemporary feel in the stunning surroundings of the Royal Exchange. Wilde, a writer ahead of his time, brought humour to the most serious soul, reminding us of our need for laughter. His work still feels relevant today, and Roche’s contemporary take will only serve to bring a new fanbase to Wilde’s classic.
In Act One, we are introduced to Jack and Algernon, the two main characters who are jointly responsible for keeping ‘Earnest’ at the centre of this play. The wonderful contrast between the two lovelorn characters is demonstrated by the onstage charisma of Robin Morrissey as Jack and Parth Thakerar as Algernon.
Act Two introduces us to Miss Prism (Emma Cunniffe) and Cecily (Rumi Sutton), whose sassy and youthful outlook seems a perfect match to Thakerar’s Algernon and on-stage love interest. Abigail Cruttenden, known for SILENT WITNESS and THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, plays the strong-willed Lady Bracknell, while Phoebe Pryce portrays the meek Gwendoline.
The cast of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Photo Credit: Johan Persson
The performance includes modern touches, such as regular comedic mobile phone use, to convey the importance of social media today. While well-received by the audience, these references can sometimes overshadow the actors.
The cast’s comedic timing is impeccable, given the diverse nature of their acting careers. The set is modern, informal, and uncluttered, allowing the audience to focus on the characters.
With great all-round performances, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST is a delightful, modern take on a classic play that many seasoned theatregoers know and love. It’s a feel-good play that reiterates that the path to true love doesn’t always run smoothly.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, until 20 July 2024.
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