After The Applause

I have seen a lot of productions put on by the National Theatre over the years, and they are all of the highest quality. However this revival of Oscar Wilde’s classic and renowned farce may be one of the best productions I have ever had the joy of seeing.

I always worry when I see that a show is completely sold out before it has begun its run, it seemed like getting a seat for The Importance Of Being Earnest was the hot ticket of the west end (and the previews hadn’t even started yet!)

I got into the auditorium and was greeted by this humongous and extravagant set that seemed like it had been ripped out of Bridgerton and plonked onto the Lyttelton Stage. The suspended handbag in front of the opening curtain also got some chuckles from the arriving spectators who got the reference. As the curtain rises we see Ncuti Gatwa’s Algernon sat at the piano in a pink dress (which got some cheers from his fanbase present), as we see the portrayal of one of the central themes of the play- that of the double life. I have to say that Webster’s decision to dial up the campness of this play from around a four to a ten is a superbly successful choice that really does make the production unique in every manner

I am such a big fan of Ncuti Gatwa, he is an incredibly talented performer who brings his own twist to every role he plays. His portrayal of Algernon is splendid, an upper class young man who will not be constrained by the barriers and order of society. His on-stage bromance with his friend Jack/John Worthing, played by the hilarious Hugh Skinner, is very comedic and they play off each other very well. Hugh Skinner seems perfect for the role of Jack and he completely steals the show in certain scenes mostly due to his clever comedic expression and over exaggerated gestures. Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́ is a joy to watch as Gwendolen Fairfax, especially toward the end of the play as it seems she grows into the role and some of her facial expressions had me howling with laughter. Eliza Scanlen plays Jack’s ward Cecily and she plays it excellently as well, the characters childish remarks pair well with Scanlens portrayal and her ad libbed line in the final scene received riotous laughter!

Then finally is the amazing Sharon D Clarke as Lady Bracknell, I love their choice to have Bracknell with a carribean accent as it truly does make some of her already iconic lines even better! Everything from her posture all the way to the way she walks onto the stage to introduce herself to the audience is perfect and the whole audience knows it too with a loud cheer to greet her as she comes on stage.

I almost forgot to mention Julian Bleach’s masterclass in physical comedy as Merriman and Lane (he was also an audience favourite) and Richard Cant and Amanda Lawrence’s unashamedly awkward relationship as Reverend Canon and Miss Prism. All three deliver superb performances to accompany the main cast in this comedic triumph.

MY VERDICT:

As the curtain rose and the actors came out I was in absolute awe of what I had watched. I was worried that some of the jokes would fly over my teenage head but was delighted when they slapped me right around the face and left me giggling the entire performance! The National Theatre have managed to assemble the perfect cast, who compliment each other in every possible way and completely deserve the sold out run that they have received.

Max Webster’s direction steers this revival in the right direction completely, alongside the lavish set and costume of Rae Smith. It is a brilliant production that will live long in my memory!

Whilst I wish I could name them all my 3 standout performers were Ncuti Gatwa, Sharon D Clarke and Julian Bleach

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Importance Of Being Earnest is playing at the Lyttelton theatre until the 25th January, whilst most nights are sold out there are often returns so I urge you to keep checking! After its run in the theatre it will be in cinemas from February 2025.

Photos are by Marc Brenner from the National Theatre Website