The Importance of Being Earnest

One of Wilde’s wittiest confections is always a welcome treat, and this oddly contrived production, in which Martin Jarvis and Nigel Havers star, is no disappointment. I say contrived as both actors are way too old to play the lead males – roles in which they starred many years ago. Dropping in a few extra scenes and lines that see them as aging male ingénues, returning time after time to the roles, works rather well, but adds little to the actual play. The entire company are excellent though, with Sian Philips giving a very good Lady Bracknell and an even better portrayal of an actor charged with delivering the role so encumbered by ‘that’ film version. The set too is a stunning arts and crafts masterpiece littered with witty tricks like an ‘antique’ TV cabinet. There is much to enjoy here, but in the end one wonders if the play needs such additions.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 29 September 2014

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