National Operatic & Dramatic Association
Society
Production
Date
Venue
Report by
London Region
: EBOS
: The Importance of Being Earnest
: 2nd October 2010
: Pinewood Theatre
: Steve Bold, NODA Representative, Area 14
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Report
Some shows have the ability to entertain no matter how many times you have seen them as the
diversity of the actors, the individuality of the performers find such different character traits each
time the show comes to the stage that it is like seeing a new production every time. There is no better
Oscar Wilde writing, in my humble opinion than this where he is at his wittiest and most dry. This was
relatively simplistic production in set design with the majority of the setting laid out by the furniture
and attire of the cast. The audience were treated to racked seating at the select and exclusive
Pinewood theatre and all had a good clear view of the stage.
Duncan Bruce – Jack Worthing
Accomplished and confident on the stage, Duncan never strayed from his character, quite deliberate
in his pronunciation and delivery. He moved about the stage well and allowed other actors to
perform, although I felt he could have been slightly more assertive towards Algernon in his
mannerisms.
Luke Burton – Algernon Moncrieff
A good rapport was clearly evident between the two main characters, Luke being playful and
obstinately ignoring Jack’s wishes. Luke displayed a quite cheeky character in the outright way he
defied situations such as the cucumber sandwiches, and facial expressions and even the way he sat in
a chair created a greater depth to the character.
Peter Hider – Lane
'Lane' was a good characterisation of a long suffering, lugubrious butler - Good movement with
excellent use of the props. Although a smallish character he brought the part to life.
Rachael Harrison – Cecily Cardew
This was a part that I really felt belonged in the show, Rachel was quite a shy and fearful character in
the beginning, but a defined silent determined undertone in her delivery. The voice and
characterisation were both excellent really bringing the part to life, her eventual exuberance and
bravery in the denouement made for an amusing finale.
Brian Read – Dr Chasuble DD
Played the slightly out of touch, but always understanding Reverend. A totally different part to the
last time I saw Brian and was good to see him throw himself in to the role.
Kelly Marshall – Gwendolen Fairfax
Kelly gave a good characterisation of Gwendolen, making a clear contrast with Cecily. Another actress
who retained her character throughout, the facial expressions and stoicism were well played. A very
definite accent for the character that belied her true voice.
Nicky Bevan – Miss Prism
Controlled but humorous, reminiscent somewhat in her deliver to Mrs Overall. It has been a fault of
Miss Prism to take her character and playfulness too far, but this was never a problem here. A very
amusingly played part.
Jane Robertson - Harris
A small part but she moved about the stage well and was confident with the props. Good expressions
and mannerisms as the rustic retainer. Her exasperation at the constant changing and confusing
situation was evident but understated.
Anna McCormack – Lady Bracknell
Overbearing, sometimes rude and ignorant of others wishes, all integral to the part of Lady Bracknell.
Posture and movement were excellent and assertive, and Anna gave a distinctly stern and clear,
haughty vocal performance creating a good all round characterisation.
Sophie Pownall – Stage Manager
This appeared a well managed stage with the scene changes being made swiftly and silently. Although
the curtains, rather than a hardback scene depiction, did detract from the overall appearance of the
production. There was no evidence of crew throughout the performance, unseen and unheard as they
should be.
Andrew Cooper – Lighting and Sound
The selection of incidental music played before curtain up and for the scene changes was appropriate
and helped to set the scene.
Alan Bowman – Director
A confident cast well played by all, it is clear that each person had been cast correctly. The
performance was well paced and balanced for all. My one minor observation would be the dressing of
the set, a painted hardback scene or blank wall would have been better than the somewhat
unnecessary curtains. There was clear diction and projection of the lines from all the cast, a confident
presentation of this play with good pace throughout with thoughtful positioning, movement and good
characterisations.