PRODUCTION DETAILS

 

TITLE: The Importance Of Being Earnest

PLAYWRIGHT: Oscar Wilde

PERFORMANCE DATES: 17th - 19th November 2016

DIRECTOR: Sadie Ashton

​

CAST

John (Jack) Worthing - Mike Waters

Algernon Moncrieff - Graeme Parker

Lady Bracknell - Barbara Hardcastle

Gwendolen Fairfax - Nicki Clay

Lane - David Lane

Cecily Cardew - Helen Lawley

Miss Prism - Barbara Miller

Rev. Dr. Chasuble - Andrew Faulkes

Merriman - Samuel Valentine

Maid - Lisa Valentine

 

Click HERE for production programme

​

SYNOPSIS

John (Jack) Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, is the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford Jack an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he visits his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff.  

Algernon has a cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax, with whom Jack is deeply in love. During his London sojourns, Jack, under the name Ernest, has won Gwendolen’s love, for she strongly desires to marry someone with the confidence-inspiring name of Ernest. But when he asks for Gwendolen’s hand from the formidable Lady Bracknell, Jack finds he must reveal he is a foundling who was left in a handbag at Victoria Station. This is very disturbing to Lady Bracknell, who insists that he produce at least one parent before she consents to the marriage. Returning to the country home where he lives with his ward Cecily Cardew and her governess Miss Prism, Jack finds that Algernon has also arrived under the identity of the nonexistent brother Ernest.  Algernon falls madly in love with the beautiful Cecily, who has long been enamored of the mysterious, fascinating brother Ernest. With the arrival of Lady Bracknell and Gwendolen, chaos erupts. It is discovered that Miss Prism is the absent-minded nurse who twenty years ago misplaced the baby of Lady Bracknell’s sister in Victoria Station. Thus Jack, whose name is indeed Ernest, is Algernon’s elder brother, and the play ends with the two couples in a joyous embrace.

​

CHAIR’S PRODUCTION NOTES

Welcome to our latest play offering...... The Importance Of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Here we are again with our latest local 'value for money' evening out!  Finally, our long awaited production of The Importance of Being Earnest is here.  After a few false starts, and with mutton sleeves and wigs donned, we are ready to take on Oscar Wilde's glorious play. It has been a mammoth task with regards to the scenery, requiring all three Acts to portray three very different settings.  In addition, costumes had to be authentic and of the period.  The actors however may argue that line learning has proved the most tricky of tasks. Some speeches resembling tongue-twisters if not delivered carefully and with clarity! Well done to Sadie for sticking with her desire to put on 'Ernie' - she can hopefully sit back a relax now her job is done! I would like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to our newest members Helen Lawley and Jack Harrison. And finally, thank you to our audience and sponsors for your continued support and patronage. It is, as always, greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy the play!

Nicki Clay