Review: The Importance Of Being Earnest, Perth Theatre

Atouch of wild farce supplements the Wilde subtlety as Perth Theatre director Lu Kemp tackles the 19th Century satire that is The Importance Of Being Earnest.

This is the Oscar Wilde classic as you have never seen it and, while purists may baulk, it adds a new dimension to the indisputable wonder of the author’s written dialogue. Amazingly, the satire is just as relevant 125 years on.

Comedy legend Karen Dunbar gives Lady Bracknell a touch of Scottish aristocracy – with a hint of Govan thrown in – while the other four cast members are run ragged as they share roles with hilarious disregard to gender and only a hat or a jacket to denote the character.

Under the deft touch of the director, they outrageously “Kemp” it up with comic postulation, quickchange theatrics both off and on stage and a somewhat incongruous, but rousing, musical finale.

Jack and Algernon invent imaginary friends to escape the confines of their surroundings. Jack falls in love with Algernon’s cousin Gwendoline, while Algernon courts Cecily, the ward of Jack. However, the indomitable Lady Bracknell has other ideas – being the mother of Gwendoline and aunt of Algernon.

Both girls think they are dating Ernest – Jack’s fictitious brother. And where does the baby come in – well, a handbag! Are you keeping up?

The love-struck boys are played with great comic timing by Daniel Cahill as Jack, and Grant O’rourke as Algernon – with more than a passing resemblance to Gavin & Stacey’s James Corden.

Caroline Deyga is Gwendoline and also makes her mark as the Irish governess Miss Prism, while Amy Kennedy revels as Cecily – and almost everyone else – with an excellent comic performance.

The action – and there’s plenty of it – unfolds on Jamie Vartan’s colourful raised set.

The Importance Of Being Earnest continues to rampage at Perth Theatre until March 21.