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2 Julyto17 July
Maltings CastPerformed by
Roman Theatre of VerulamiumVenue/Stage
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The Importance of Being Earnest
A bold, imaginative and surprising jazz musical remix of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people”.

The Importance of Being Earnest

2nd-17th July 2022
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Adam Nichols and Matt Strachan
Musically Directed by Tom Cagnoni
Presented by OVO

OVO presents a bold, imaginative and surprising jazz musical remix of Oscar Wilde’s “trivial comedy for serious people”.

Jack loves Gwendolen, Algernon loves Cecily, but both of them are engaged to the roguish Ernest - much to the disapproval of the formidable Lady Bracknell.

The only problem is that Ernest doesn’t actually exist and - when his true identity is revealed - being “earnest” takes on a whole new meaning…

Mistaken identity and romance collide with cucumber sandwiches and a handbag as Cecily and Gwendolen battle it out over Beyonce and Lady Bracknell channels Lizzo, while a cast of Bright Young Things Charleston to Queen, Daft Punk and The Beach Boys.

The Importance of Being Earnest is, quite simply, one of the funniest plays ever written in the English language, and it retains its ability to entertain and amuse some 127 years after it was written.

An exquisitely entertaining production. Transitions between scenes operate via musical numbers, paradoxical, jazzed-up and played with gusto. The coordination among the cast members is phenomenal and a winning mechanism for the smooth flow of the play. If it wasn’t for the brilliant chemistry of the cast and creatives, the different components could have easily fallen apart; Fulton and Clee, in particular, with distinct portrayals, keep up the pace and lead the ensemble’s energy. The costume choices by Delga Martineau sparkle and Simon Nicholas’s set design doesn’t overdo things. The band vivaciously inserts itself in between. Particular praise is due for the matinées performed under the scorching sun of the heatwave, during which the mood remained high and the acting fizzed, energy beaming from the sky and the stage alike.

Nichols and Strachan’s crowd-pleasing production is playful and pleasing - an entertaining update catapulting Oscar Wilde’s comedy into the Roaring Twenties. Emilia Harrild’s self-assured Gwendolen channels The Great Gatsby’s Jordan Baker – effortlessly glamorous. Charlie Clee gives a perfect Wildean performance as Algernon: he never misses a comedic beat. As shuffling butler Lane, Paul Manuel’s dry humour delights the audience.

A roaring 1920’s overhaul - it races around with frantic energy. Modern music sung and played live is rip-roaringly funny as Lizzo, Eminem and Beyoncé songs explode on the stage. Anna Franklin as Lady Bracknell calls the shots and keeps us laughing throughout. The aim to amuse is hit with abundant energy and witty repartee.


OVO brings new life to a classic. The attention to detail from co-directors Adam Nichols and Matt Strachan is remarkable. Emma Wright’s Miss Prism and Jon Bonner’s Rev Chasuble are perfectly cast. Guido Garcia Lueches as all the members of the Merriman family is priceless. Comedy at its absolute best. The Importance of Being Earnest really is theatre at its finest.

*** THURSDAY 14TH AND FRIDAY 15TH JULY SOLD OUT ***

 

In the open air at
The Roman Theatre of Verulamium
Bluehouse Hill | St Albans | AL3 6AE

7.30pm nightly / matinees 2.30pm | Running time 2 hour 45 minutes including a 20 minute interval

Tickets £11.50 - £23.50

Multibuy - 2 different shows = 10% discount, 3 different shows = 20% discount (offer runs to Easter Monday)

Festival Unlimited Pass allowing unlimited access to all events and 10% off retail and catering - £70 (Limited numbers available)

Loyalty card – buy 9 tickets, get the 10th ticket free

Previews - 2nd July at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Press night - 7th July at 7.30pm

If you have any questions regarding access at The Roman Theatre, please email us before booking so that we can provide you with information and assistance.

The venue will be operating in accordance with any government guidelines on COVID safety measures in place at the time of the production.

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Jon Bonner
Dr Frederick Chasuble / Band
Tom Cagnoni
Servant / Band
Charlie Clee
Algernon Montcrieff
Celeste Collier
Servant / Band
Anna Franklin
Lady Augusta Bracknell
Lyle Fulton
Jack Worthing
Guido Garcia Lueches
Merriman / Band
Emilia Harrild
Gwendolen Fairfax
David Logar
Servant / Band
Paul Manuel
Lane
Shona Maule
Servant / Band
Eloise Westwood
Cecily Cardew
Emma Wright
Miss Laetitia Prism
Michael Bird
Sound Designer and Operator
Tom Cagnoni
Musical Director
Rúben Carneiro
Stage Manager
Mattis Larsen
Lighting Designer
Delga Martineau
Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor
Simon Nicholas
Set Designer
Adam Nichols
Director
Sundeep Saini
Choreographer
Matt Strachan
Director
Lauren Wedgeworth
Stage Manager
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