The Importance Of Being Earnest

Soulpepper Theatre Company Does It Again

Aug 21, 2006 Mike Mackenzie

Oscar Wilde described his play as a "trivial comedy for serious people", and he couldn't have been more right.

The Soulpepper Theatre Company of Toronto has had a superb first season at the Young Centre For The Performing Arts, and their latest, Oscar Wilde's The Importance Of Being Earnest is as splendid an evening of theatre you will find in Toronto this summer.

Helmed by Ben Barnes, the former Artistic Director of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, The Importance Of Being Earnest is the story of Algernon and Jack, who are the original "scoundrels", as they convince two young women that their names are, in fact, Earnest. Jack is in love with Gwendolen, and Algernon, after hearing of Jack's trickery, goes to his country estate posing as Jack's sick brother Earnest, where he meets Cecily, Jack's ward. Madness ensues, confusion sets in, and ultimately, the ladies get their men - named Earnest.

Kevin Bundy as Jack and Damian Atkins as Algernon

are a delightful pair of rapscalians, causing such strife and woh for Gwendolen and Cecily, played by Patricia Fagan and Samantha Espie respectively. The two ladies searching for love are charming and adorable, and Nancy Palk is stern yet hilarious as Lady Bracknell. Mention must be made of the dead-pan delivery of David Storch as Lane and Merriman, the two butlers in town, and at the country house, and the performances of Oliver Dennis and Brenda Robins as Reverend Chasuble and Miss Prism, who, at certain moments, steal the show with their subtle humour and delivery.

Set on the smaller of the two stages in the Young Centre, Peter Hartwell has done a splendid job with his set design, using the space effectively.

David Boechler's costume design is period, set in the 1920's "flapper" era, and is fashionable and stylish.

All in all, this is a delightfully fun romp, and is a great way to spend a nice summer evening.

The Importance Of Being Earnest

Soulpepper Theatre Company

Directed By Ben Barnes

Starring Kevin Bundy, Nancy Palk and Damian Atkins

***1/2 (out of five)

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