Directed by Denzel Westley-Sanderson, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest opened at Leeds Playhouse on 8 September, and runs until 17 September, before touring to Cambridge Arts Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre, Northern Stage and Liverpool Playhouse before culminating at Rose Theatre on 12 November.
Oscar Wilde’s genius humour meets contemporary culture in a theatrical rollercoaster packed with shade, wit and plenty of gags. This is a classic satire, vibrantly retold about dysfunctional families, class, gender and sexuality.
The Artiscape spoke to Valentine Hanson about his role in the play.
What can you tell us about the characters you play?
I play the dual roles of Lane and Merriman, a pair of servants who serve in Town and Country homes respectively.
Can you identify in any way with the character you play?
Valentine: I probably identify with Lane the most out of the two characters, likely to be an age thing, I admit. He’s a cool character who enjoys his work and is well versed in the goings on and eccentric ways of his employer and how he does things. And no doubt has a lot of dirt to dish. But I suspect it works both ways. Do I have dirt to dish? I’ll never tell.
What attracts you to the play’s plot?
Valentine: The hijinks of the characters, and how it’s still quite relevant to today. These characters hide behind certain personas and a lot of people tend to do that online and social media right now. We don’t always admit this, but we can judge a person by their status in society. What they wear, are they homeowners, where they’ve travelled, where they studied and grew up. Wilde knows of this world and it’s people well and it shows how absurd it can be. And funny. Also, the tale told from a Black Victorian perspective is juicy and inspired. Dip then dive into uncharted and relevant waters, say I.
As an actor, what are the challenge in preparing for a role like this?
Valentine: Making both characters different yet appear professional. From their voices, stature and mannerisms. And carrying a lot of props of the heavy and delicate variety!
What do you feel an audience will take from this production?
Valentine: My hope is that the audience will be entertained and educated. I’m sure some Oscar Wilde fans will come and see and it will feel like a warm hug from an old friend, but for all who come to it, either for the first time, umpteenth time and from a different demographic, will find new things and feel they’ve learned something and want to learn more.
Leeds playhouse
