Oscar Wilde‘s farce The Importance of Being Earnest is all about two young men about town who lead double lives, avoiding their social obligations. It is normally played in a rather rigid format by rather experienced thespians. It’s a play that explores explores themes of identity, social expectations, and the nature of truth and deception. Which is how “Earnest?” at the Peacock in Gluttony begins.
Jack Worthing is a seemingly responsible and respectable young man who leads a double life. He has a country estate, but in London he is known as Ernest. As a baby, Jack was discovered in a handbag in the cloakroom of Victoria Station by an old man who made Jack guardian to his granddaughter, Cecily. However, Jack is in love with his friend Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolyn.
The play opens in the morning room of Algernon’s London flat. Algernon’s butler, Lane, is preparing cucumber sandwiches while Algernon plays the piano (rather badly). Lane announces the arrival of Mr. Ernest Worthing. Who doesn’t appear. This is where the wheels begin to fall off. The director comes on stage and announces that the actor playing Ernest has been delayed and could someone from the audience like to step in. After some back and forth between the audience members, a stand-in is found and the play resumes from the start. Unfortunately the stand-in does not know all of the lines and cues, leading to hilarious interactions between the rigid experienced actors and “Ernest”.
The farce descends into utter chaos as other actors become waylaid, until some five audience members now make up the ensemble. Visual gags abound as the director and stage assistant try to keep the play running as written. It is side-splitting hilarity as the play falls apart yet is held together by volunteers from the audience. The best thing about seeing this, is that you will never see the same performance twice.
Having a good knowledge of “Earnest” is helpful, but the play holds its own well enough that even those new to the play could follow along. This is amateur improv theatre at its finest. Fun and laughter from beginning to the end.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended Earnest? on 21st Feb
Earnest? plays at Gluttony – Rymill Park – The Peacock – Until 22 Mar at 8PM
For more information and tickets check the Fringe Website
Photos by John Goodridge
