Acting students at Stratford-upon-Avon College made sure audiences had a wild time, as they showcased their end of year project: A Wilde Evening.
A performance integrating scenes from some of Oscar Wilde’s most loved plays including The Importance of Being Earnest, Lady Windermere’s Fan and An Ideal Husband, this production did not disappoint as it matched Wilde’s witty word play with energy, pizzaz and slapstick hilarity.
The show features scenes from some of Wilde’s most audacious plays about social scandal and centres around the revelations of long concealed family secrets. Set in a lavish country home, audiences met a collection of Wilde’s most famous characters and saw them try to navigate the landscape of dating in the 1890’s.
Supported by talented Backstage Production Arts students Tilly Shenton (Stage Manager), Ashton Hickman (Lighting Design and Technical Lead) and Sam Nowak (Sound Engineer) this production is a fabulous example of the next generation of talent coming into its own.
From start to finish the actors exuded energy and charisma. With a sensational soundtrack (Brigerton-esque as it includes modern songs in orchestral version) the cast were not afraid to attack the language and match the quick wit and feisty word play with even more energy; and this made the farce a delight to watch.
Shania Hayles and Kat Davies playing Cecily Cardew and Gwendolyn Fairfax respectively, did not miss a moment to sparkle; hilarious any moment they were on stage. Matched by Algernon Moncrieff and Jack/Ernest Worthing (played by Corgan Holloway-Jones and Freddy Gresham), anytime these four were on stage, audiences witnessed a tour de force of comic talent.
Kat and Shania pictured left and Freddy and Corgan pictured right
The show also allowed moments of pathos and drama. Rosie Ward, Olivia Coltman and Eve Bannon excelled in bringing across moments of high drama and real emotional intensity. A wonderful way of keeping the show rounded.
Rosie pictured left and Eve and Olivia pictured right
However, it was always brought back to the comedy and a key comic player was the sensational Lady Bracknell played by Daisy Hemming. A titan of comedy, she was not afraid to address the audience, and crack the jokes throughout, bringing energy and attention whenever on stage.
Throughout the known scenes, audiences were kept enthralled by interlinking interludes; a quirky masterclass teaching the language of the fan, commercials, masqued dances and songs. The pinnacle of the night came when all restraint and poise of the Victorian era was lost as the characters broke down and a food fight ensued.
Have a look at some of the fabulous production photos
Showcasing incredible comic skill, wonderful slapstick and dramatic flair, this show really did take us on a Wilde ride!
