I arrived to a packed house at opening night of the University of Victoria’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest last night. The Phoenix Theatre was abuzz with anticipatory chatter as we waited for the red curtain to be drawn.
With programmes in hand, we educated ourselves on the cultural zeitgeist of the mid-’90s—1890s, that is.
The Importance of Being Earnest, originally written in 1895 by Irish playwright Oscar Wilde, has been lent a new light by guest director Alistair Newton. The play follows John Worthing and his good friend Algernon Moncrieff as they navigate through a tangled web of lies in attempts to break free from social obligations and woo two eligible bachelorettes all the while.
The three acts are divided into simplistic monochrome colour schemes, starting with green, followed by yellow, and ending with red, each as vibrant as the last. This choice, realized by set designer Zoe Bechtold, was particularly pleasing and unique. The three saturated locations were colour-coordinated with matching Victorian wardrobes, complete with bustles, feather fascinators, ascot ties and fans—many, many fans.
The humour in Wilde’s writing is among The Importance’s strong suits, executed sharply here by the talented cast of performers. Jack Storwick in the role of Algernon sank into his character seamlessly and proved to be especially amusing to watch. Although written more than a century ago, the stylings of Wilde’s farcical comedy still translate to today’s audience, able to make even the most bitter, maritally-obliged attendees chuckle sensibly.
During its two-and-a-half-hour runtime, the cast maintained impressive continuous energy, comedic timing and synchronicity. I commend all cast and crew for what must have been a meticulous rehearsing process to achieve such precise delivery of fast-paced Victorian English.
Spliced in among Wilde’s original script, atop the show and following the 15-minute intermission, were two stand-alone drag musical acts portraying historical Victorian-era drag performers Lady Stella Clinton and Vesta Tilley. Played by Claudia Fraser, Tilley was brought into the eyes and ears of the audience through a captivating single-song concert. Fraser took charge of the stage and even audience members, with comedy, poise, and boldness. Although it was key to Newton that The Importance stay true to its original script, liberties such as this bring forward his creative voice.
When the curtain lowered, and claps and cheers for the thespians faded out, the lobby then filled with the familiar faces of intermissioners—a soundscape of pleased audience members earnestly conversing amidst $2 cash-only treats and beverages. The night was a success for those involved and audience members alike.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Various days and times, until November 25
$17-$32, Phoenix Theatre
finearts.uvic.ca