In an exuberant display that shimmies between the absurd and the exquisite, director Max Webster, fresh from his acclaimed interpretation of Macbeth, unveils a flamboyant reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, The Importance of Being Earnest. This reinterpretation, staged in one of the country’s most austere theatres, transforms the experience into a vibrant spectacle that dares to declare itself “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” One can’t help but bask in the gleeful chaos of it all, making it an absolutely delightful choice for the festive season.
The premise is delightfully straightforward yet ingeniously contrived: two debonair young gentlemen of London’s Victorian elite weave elaborate double lives to sidestep the suffocating constraints of societal expectations, only to find themselves ensnared by their own convoluted escapades. Webster fully immerses himself in Wilde’s rich tapestry of humor, relishing the irreverence that permeates every moment, stretching the fabric of farce to near perfection. The laughter is infectious, palpable even, as the remarkable cast appears genuinely enthralled by their roles.
This Earnest feels as if it has leaped from the pages of a Bridgerton episode, intertwined with hints of defiance and just enough cheekiness to keep it fresh. Each character pulses with an electrifying energy: a little flamboyant here, a touch flirtatious there, brimming with sharp-witted repartee. Webster eschews any air of pomposity, opting instead for a riotous celebration of theatrical excess. The costumes, brilliantly conjured by Rae Smith, pop with vibrant anachronisms, upending traditional design with an audacious flair.
In a dazzling opening, Ncuti Gatwa strides onto the stage enveloped in a hot pink gown, immediately setting the tone for a night of indulgent fun and playful cross-dressing. His portrayal of Algernon is nothing short of enchanting; with a deliciously flippant demeanor and an uncanny knack for humor, he dances through each exchange with whimsical charm. Alongside him, Hugh Skinner’s Jack Worthing strikes an impeccable balance of aw-shucks ditziness and scheming practicality, creating a riveting dynamic that pulsates with Wilde’s iconic wit.
Then there’s Sharon D Clarke’s Lady Bracknell, a tour de force in her own right. With a satirical, relentless gaze and an iron grip on the narrative, she upends expectations and commands the stage with her imposing presence as she delivers one unforgettable moment after another. The infamous handbag line? It’s subverted here, morphing into a moment of sheer horror when her character discovers Jack’s origins—a testament to Clarke’s formidable range.
Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́’s Gwendolen and Eliza Scanlen’s Cecily emerge as forces of their own, breathing new life into characters often sidelined in adaptations. These young women, caught in the throes of societal constraints, are portrayed as smart, cunning, yet patriarchy-bound, making their struggles relatable and poignant.
But the delights don’t end there. The charming antics of Richard Cant and Amanda Lawrence as the Reverend and Miss Prism offer a delicious counterpoint, complete with her comedic frowns transforming into smirks in his presence. Julian Bleach’s comically exaggerated dinner gong further enhances the spectacle, while Smith’s stunningly crafted Greek Revival proscenium artfully conceals scene changes behind luscious red velvet, allowing the chaos to unfold seamlessly.
From the mirthful minutiae of the scenography to the brilliantly performed character arcs, every detail composes a sumptuous whole, promising an unforgettable evening. This is more than a mere theatrical outing; it’s an exuberant celebration that is destined to linger in memory. Engagingly loud and resolutely proud, this iteration of The Importance of Being Earnest resonates with an infectious energy that Oscar Wilde himself would surely applaud.
Catch this dazzling production at the National Theatre until January 25, 2025, with a cinematic release set for February 20, 2025.
