Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre’s upcoming tour of the iconic The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, which opens in the Crescent’s Ron Barber Studio on 26th June, continues a long and hugely popular tradition and a highlight of West Midlands’ theatre for many decades.
This production, co-directed by Alex Arksen and Nathan Hawkins, is high-energy, full of life and vitality and extracts every laugh that Wilde offers. Noël Coward rated the play “the best comedy” and a masterpiece of wit and elegance, frequently citing it as a prime example of sparkling, sophisticated comedy.
Premiered 130 years ago this year, this farce revolves around the tangled affairs of two pretty feckless young “men about town”, Algernon Moncrieff (Sam Jackson) and Jack Worthing (Tom Lowde), who lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, both assuming the name Ernest while wooing the two young ladies of their affections. The play parodies dramatic norms of the day, satirises and virtually ridicules late Victorian manners and introduces the formidable Lady Bracknell.
“A Handbag?!”, which Lady Bracknell bellows when she discovers that it was in a handbag that the abandoned baby Jack was found, has become one of the most famous theatrical quotes of all time.
Julie Lloyd, who plays Lady Bracknell in this production, is in good company, as the multitude of actors who have played the role over the years include Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith and David Suchet!
The production will play four performances at the Crescent’s Ron Barber Studio from 26th June to 28th June and then Walsall Arboretum on 29th June. It will be at the Midlands Arts Centre on 1st July and at Harvington Hall on July 5th and 6th. July 9th and 10th it will be at Selly Manor and at The Old Rep on July 12th. The tour ends at the Kitchen Garden Café on 13th July.
Co-Director Alex Arksen explains: “The reason why this show works so well as a tour is that it’s full of great character, great comedy and, so important for outdoor theatre, great spectacle. It’s also got so many iconic moments that people who know theatre and love theatre know all about.”
Co-Director Nathan Hawkins adds: “This is my favourite play of all time. I think it’s hysterical. Wilde’s use of language and wit and wordplay is unmatched. It’s perfect.”
Tickets are available now from the Crescent Theatre Box Office on 0121 643 5858 or at www.crescent-theatre.co.uk or, for the performance at the MAC, at www.macbirmingham.co.uk. Tickets for Harvington Hall can also be booked on its website, www.harvingtonhall.co.uk