Dowling & Dowling Design presents a classic Oscar Wilde production, 'The Importance Of Being Earnest', at Brisbane Arts Theatre.
It's a tale of creating alternate personas in order to avoid responsibility and live multiple lives, and what unravels when one is caught out doing so.
This performance of 'Earnest' (22 January, the preview show) is delightful, and charming. The play is simple – there isn't much to it, in fact, it's essentially three acts of talking. But this is not a bad thing – Oscar Wilde's talent is on full display here, a script filled with sharp wit and surprisingly relevant commentary.
Each character brings something completely different to every scene. Peter Van Werkhoven gets lost in the role of Algernon, nailing his camp and cheeky nature and delivering his lines with the confidence of a true performer. Alexander Simpkins is great as Jack, some of his more hysterical and comedically panicked moments the highlights of his time on stage.
Emilia Povey and Eleni Koutsoukis don't miss a beat as Gwendolyn and Cecily respectively, their tea and cake scene a natural highlight featuring jabs delivered so calmly and respectfully you'd think they were complimenting each other.
Peta Townend is intimidating yet hilarious as Lady Bracknell – a combination which, in my opinion, is essential for the role. Her posture and endless judgemental glares, paired with the over-exaggerated way in which she presents her words, make for a brilliant performance oozing with high status.
Cathy Stanley and Alastair Wallace play Miss Prism and Lane – with Alastair also stepping into the role of Dr Chasuble for this particular performance. Neither are playing particularly gripping characters here, but each actor does an admirable job.
'Earnest' has its moments – there's no denying a few stumbles here and there, but this is a preview presentation, and the public season, running now until March, is sure to be polished and ready for its audiences, who will no doubt meet it with deserved rapturous adoration.
'The Importance Of Being Earnest' plays Brisbane Arts Theatre until 5 March.
