Is there an actor in the house?
“I deserve more than this … you are like a normal person!”
Gwendolen
It is a madcap idea but a thoroughly entertaining one. Take a well known comedy, conjure some missing actors and get members of the audience to stand in. The result is the most unexpected hilarity as the unsuspecting audience member has probably not done their homework on the facts of the original comedy.
Fortunately actor Josh Haberfield as Simon Slough the director will step in with the most polished and witty suggestions, in his relaxed style while indicating how long suffering he is towards these amateurs. The audience of course will be rooting for one of their own and give the amateur thespians all the support they need. The director will say, “No pressure!” and then shine a spotlight on the nervous participant.
Besides Haberfield, the other star of this show is Algernon played by Guido Garcia Lueches who is a natural comedian with perfect and hilarious timing and those magnificent sideburn whiskers called mutton chops. Rhys Tees plays Lane who is the director’s sidekick called upon to provide props and sort the script papers which have been scattered around.
Trynity Silk will play the lovely Gwendolen who needs a drink or two or more to get through her part with drunken consequences. The other famous female role of Wilde’s play Lady Bracknell is taken initially by Judith Amsenga with all the haughtiness the role demands.
Kings Cross is named as the station rather than Victoria for the train to Worthing and Harry Potter references will intrude on Wilde’s comedy. I do think Oscar Wilde would have appreciated the humour here. Running at just over an hour, the cast keep a hectic pace. Of course each show will be different and you might well want to see it again.
It is interesting that this comedy device is appearing in London with one famous actor being given an unseen part to improvise but into an unknown play. It is the interaction between the professionals and those conscripted into the show which makes it such a delight.
Highly recommended for those with a good sense of humour.
Production Notes
The Importance of Being . . . Earnest?
Written by Joshua King and Simon Paris
After Oscar Wilde
Directed by Simon Paris
Cast
Starring:
Guido Garcia Lueches
Trinity Silk
Rhys Tees
Ben Mann
Josh Haberfield
Brendan Barclay
Judith Amsenga
Unsuspecting Members of the Audience
Creatives
Director: Simon Paris
Information
Running Time: One hour 10 minutes without an interval
Booking to 25th August 2024
Theatre:
Pleasance Courtyard
BEYOND
60 Pleasance
Edinburgh EH8 9TJ
Website: https://interactiveearnest.co.uk/
Box office: 020 7609 1800
Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge
at the Pleasance Courtyard Beyond
on 4th August 2024