Taking part in The Importance Of Being Ernest, back, from left, Matthew Busbridge, Peter Stockman, Alan Dyson, Sara Kobuszko, Alexander Welsford and Christopher Hirst; front, Imogen May, Traci Porter and Sue Clark.
STAGE REVIEW THE Importance of Being Earnest has entertained audiences for well over a century and Two’s Company has revived the satirical comedy at Shanklin Theatre this month.
The play was first performed in 1895, when Shanklin was in its heyday as a Victorian resort, so it seems a fitting choice for a summer show.
The first night, last Thursday, attracted a large and appreciative audience, who found plenty to laugh at in Noel Coward’s witty script, which was delivered very competently by the cast, under Bill King’s direction.
Stars of the show are Traci Porter as Gwendoline Fairfax and Imogen May as Cecily Cardew, a charming duo who flounce about coyly in frilly frocks and silly hats, being completely over the top.
The silliest hats were worn by Sue Clark (Lady Bracknell), another over-the-top character, impossibly bossy and overbearing.
The male leads are played by Matthew Busbridge (Algernon Moncrieff) and Peter Stockman (Jack Worthing).
The supporting cast was Christopher Hirst, Sara Kobuszko, Alan Dyson and Alexander Welsford.
On opening night, the first two acts were slightly lacking in sparkle but everything came together in the third and final act, with its abundance of plot twists and turns.
• The Importance of Being Earnest is at Shanklin Theatre at 8.15pm on Thursday and August 26.
Reporter: suel@iwcpmail.co.uk