THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Image Credit: Marc Brenner
Oscar Wilde’s classic has graced countless stages, but never quite like this. Under Max Webster’s direction, this production bring glamour, entertainment and humour to this parody that spotlights the art of deception, identity and romance.
From the outset, the audience might find themselves delightfully perplexed—a grand piano, men in dresses, women in suits, all moving gracefully to Carrie-Anne Ingroudille’s choreography. This whimsical opening transforms the Lyttelton Theatre into a Bridgerton-esque Victorian living room that sets the tone for the rest of the play. It’s only as the story unfolds that the significance of this prologue becomes clear, foreshadowing the central themes Wilde masterfully weaves into his work.
Ncuti Gatwa shines as Algernon, delivering effortless wit, eccentric charm, and some of the sharpest one-liners imaginable. Opposite him, Hugh Skinner’s Jack (or Earnest) is endearingly naïve yet equally sharp, with smooth comebacks that complement Algernon’s flamboyance. Together, they create an electric dynamic, their shared yearning for authenticity bringing fresh relevance to Wilde’s text. Gatwa stands out, breaking the fourth wall with playful ease, drawing the audience into an experience that feels both timeless and delightfully modern.
The cast is uniformly excellent. Sharon D Clarke is transcendent as Lady Bracknell, commanding the stage with effortless authority. Draped in a luminous yellow gown, her every word drips with sarcasm, judgment, and confidence. Her exchanges, particularly with Skinner in the first act, are utterly mesmerising.
Ronke Adékoluẹjo brings infectious energy to Gwendolen, Lady Bracknell’s spirited daughter. Decked in pink to reflect the play’s vivid color palette, Adékoluẹjo infuses the role with boldness and charm. Her scenes with Eliza Scanlen’s Cecily, as the two women muse over love, diaries, and societal expectations, are both hilarious and insightful. Together, they explore the repression and desires that Wilde subtly critiques, giving their characters a modern edge while staying true to the text.
Other notable performances include Amanda Lawrence as the endearing Ms. Prism and Richard Cant as the reserved but impassioned Reverend Chasuble—whose restrained affection is both poignant and amusing. Julian Bleach is a comedic delight, seamlessly toggling between the roles of Merriman and Lane, the latter marked by a gong that humourously punctuates his every entrance.
The pacing of the production is impeccable. Webster ensures no moment drags or rushes, while his meticulous direction brings out the nuances of every character and scene. Contemporary touches—such as references to Dalston and cheeky pop song interludes—add a layer of relevance and lightness without overshadowing Wilde’s narrative.
Rae Smith’s set and costume designs are nothing short of spectacular. The opulent color palette, intricate library backdrops, and thoughtfully curated costumes elevate the production. The seamless use of red velvet curtains for scene changes is both functional and artful, adding to the theatrical charm.
What resonates most is the subtle yet persistent thematic thread running through the play. Wilde’s critique of societal facades and his advocacy for authenticity feel strikingly relevant in today’s era of curated online personas. This production doesn’t just entertain; it reminds us of the enduring need to embrace our true selves.
With a closing scene as exuberant as its opening, Webster’s adaptation is a dazzling triumph—equal parts chaos, humour, and heart. This vibrant reimagining of Wilde’s masterpiece is a must-see.
The Importance of Being Earnest is running at the National Theatre until the 25th of January 2025.
★★★★
By Eniola Edusi
