The Importance of Being Earnest Sparkles With Wit

Head of English, Mark Hambleton, looks back on King's fantastic performance of The Importance of Being Earnest.

The Importance of Being Earnest opened at St James’ Theatre in 1895. At that time the sophisticates of London were treated to a vision of a world they knew well, albeit one burgeoning with melodrama and parody. Indeed, King’s Christmas play was performed in very much the same spirit. Over two dark winter nights, the Fitzjames Theatre was lit by a production which exuded acting talent and sparkled with wit.

Jamie proved a convincing Jack Worthing, aided and abetted by Tom's Algernon Moncrieff. Sophie’s authoritarian Lady Bracknell grappled to control Narnia as Gwendolen Fairfax, who quickly formed a tight though occasionally fractious bond with Ella as Cecily Cardew. Seb and Kiara flirted with repressed romance as Canon Chasuble and Miss Prism. Elsewhere, a steady supply of sandwiches, drinks, and discretion was served in equal measure by Seb, Henry, Huw, and Elih. This cast delivered a complex, exact, and thoroughly professional performance under Maggie King’s exacting direction. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Mark Hambleton - Head of English