By Oscar Wilde

NODA Review by Dee McIlroy

 

To perform or direct a work of one of the greatest playwrights Oscar Wilde, indeed is an honour and a privilege. That this work was given any recognition at all, in itself is a great achievement considering the prejudice which surrounded it and poignant that this was his last and most acclaimed play.

To portray his great wit and incredible humour and make the work jump off the page is everything and this Concept achieved to their credit.

Every cast member played their roles in the era, with clear diction, transporting us to those days of perfect manners, restraint and restricted emotions in an emotional undercurrent.

A fine performance by Shane Goodsir of perfect gentleman Algernon Moncrieff commanded the stage from his first entrance and had crisp interaction with all the cast and his best friend John Worthing J.P. played with true boyish charm by Steve Hopkins proving his great versatility and timing in this role, well cast as the elusive Earnest. Cat Rose as the charming English rose, gave us a strong portrayal of the Hon. Gwendolin Fairfax, haughty and some lovely vulnerable moments came through. And then of course the famous Lady Bracknell from Judy Harry with those delicious lines which she carried off with dignity and aplomb. Cecily Cardew was very well played by Jess Player.

I was impressed by Paul Buckle as Lane who never fails to create a character of note and Steve Davies who was suitably pious as Rev. Canon Chasuble A flighty well played Miss Prism (Helen Windsor) surprised us all and Merriman was without doubt disinterested perfection!

The simple set worked well bringing the characters to the fore. It is after all the acting we come to the theatre to see and this was at its best!  

Congratulations to all the cast and Director Ruairidh for his memorable second successful association with this play and no doubt this time a new approach.

Thank you for your kind hospitality it is so heart warming to see and hear the great following you have in Abergavenny

 

Originally published July 2017