Directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson, Oscar Wilde’s famous 1895 comedy is delivered with an entirely black cast. There have been so many versions of this play in film and theatre over the decades, some good and some seriously dull.
Westley-Sanderson’s direction delivers an energetic two hour production of slapstick comedy combined with the exceptional timeless wit of Oscar Wilde.
Jack Worthing played by Justice Ritchie is a very accomplished young man and considered a pillar of the community in Hertfordshire. He doesn’t know who his parents are. He is guardian to Cecily (played by Phoebe Campbell). In contrast, Moncrieff (played by Abiola Owokonira) is a penniless Oxford educated playboy with a title.
Abiola Owokonira’s gives a fantastic portrayal of the witty, selfish and amoral Algernon Moncrieff. Phoebe Campbell’s Cecily and Adele James’s Gwendolen interactions are among the funniest moments in the play.
This production really brings to life the witticisms and fantastic humour of Oscar Wilde in a way I have never seen done before. I think if Oscar Wilde saw this version, he would absolutely love it.
The Importance of being Earnest runs at the Rose Theatre in Kingston 1 November 2022 – 12 November 2022. For more information visit this website.
