Oscar Wilde
Storyhouse Originals
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, Chester
August 7-September 1, 2024; 2 hrs 30 mins
Can the delicious humour of Wilde’s most famous play be fully exploited in the open air? Will the nuance and subtlety of his language be lost in the inevitable hubbub that surrounds such a venue?
Well, yes: in fact the small stage, in the round, and entrances from all four compass points helps to create an intimate production that entrances the audience.
The story is well known: an abandoned child is found in a handbag in Victoria station and grows up not knowing his identity. This prevents him being accepted by the family of the girl he loves, as certain standards have to be kept up - and she is keen to marry someone named Earnest. When he finds out that he is actually an Earnest, all can live happily ever after.
The cast communicates Wilde’s narrative really well, drawing out the satirical nature of the play and how people often have a double life; that they project to others, and that they actually are. There is great rapport between Algy (Lucas Button) and Jack (James Sheldon) and some timely ad-libbing reacting to the moment and interacting with the audience. But for me the stand-out performance is Joanne Howarth's, as Lady Bracknell, full of upper-class hypocrisy and formidable pomposity.
The play's humour has stood the test of time well, and wouldn'tf be out of place in a contemporary setting, full of one-liners and bons mots: “In matters of grave importance style, not sincerity, is the vital thing.” These amplify the attitude of indifferent superiority throughout the play. But they require a subtlety and calmness in delivery, where here there is a tendency among some players to shout their lines. Likewise, the descent into farce when throwing muffins around the place is unnecessary: there is humour enough in the script.
The central theme, pointing out that for some, appearance is far more important than actuality, is still highly relevant. But rather than attempting to keep up to the double standards seen in some upper-class lifestyles, today we contend with social media, where some people struggle to live up to the idealised, manufactured vision of attractiveness rather than accept themselves for what they are.
The power of the play, and the delightful ambience of the Grosvenor Open Air Theatre, makes this a cracking night of entertainment, warmly appreciated by the audience with a wholly desreved standing ovation.
Tickets and information here
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