The Importance of Being Earnest

Oscar Wilde’s trivial comedy for serious people opened at the Majestic Theatre, Malanda last Friday night. Set in the 1890s, The Importance of Being Earnest is a theatre classic and Malanda Theatre Company’s production only enhanced the reputation of the play. Directed by Jim Hill, the play captured all the classic lines and nuances between characters. Luke Vanni as Jack and Jake Plant as Algernon was inspired casting. Both actors bounced off each other and moved the play along with wit and pace. Gill Harrington as Lady Bracknell was a formidable character, decked out in Victorian clothing that in itself was formidable. Gill’s excellent timing and voice projection captured all the classic lines. Amelia Benefield was the star of the production with an energetic performance as the confused but dignified Gwendolyn. Flora Terrens as Cecily was also in great form with perfect facial expressions and timing. The best scene of the play was early in act two as Gwendolyn and Cecily fought for the affection of “Earnest”. Janet Liston as Miss Prism played a good role, as did Chris Hoare in his two roles as a butler. Peter Hickey as a bumbling vicar completed a fine cast. Apart from the modern furniture in act one, the production captured the ambience and idiosyncrasies of the times. 

Ken Cotterill

Image:  Flora Terrens (Cecily) and Amelia Benefield (Gwendolyn) in The Importance of Being Earnest.