DescriptionKath Gill directs this fantastic version of Oscar Wilde's classic play along with a brilliant cast and very impressive set
Jack Worthing, the play’s protagonist, is a pillar of the community in Hertfordshire, where he is guardian to Cecily Cardew, the pretty, eighteen-year-old granddaughter of the late Thomas Cardew, who found and adopted Jack when he was a baby. In Hertfordshire, Jack has responsibilities: he is a major landowner and justice of the peace, with tenants, farmers, and a number of servants and other employees all dependent on him. For years, he has also pretended to have an irresponsible black-sheep brother named Ernest who leads a scandalous life in pursuit of pleasure and is always getting into trouble of a sort that requires Jack to rush grimly off to his assistance. In fact, Ernest is merely Jack’s alibi, a phantom that allows him to disappear for days at a time and do as he likes. No one but Jack knows that he himself is Ernest. Ernest is the name Jack goes by in London, which is where he really goes on these occasions—probably to pursue the very sort of behaviour he pretends to disapprove of in his imaginary brother. Cast Jack Worthing - Peter Rose Algernon Moncrieff - James Wood Lady Bracknell - Eve Berry Gwendoline Fairfax - Pia Obank Cecily Cardew - Tash Northcott Miss Prism - Lou Jackson Rev. Chasuble - Nick Wyse Lane - Nigel Bacon Merryman - Tom Angell Bucks Free Press Review by Rita Carpenter One of Oscar Wilde's most popular plays was the choice of the Lane End Players. Eve Berry as Lady Bracknell gave a competent performance but was not quite enough of a battle-axe. Peter Rose performed well as Jack Worthing with James Wood as Algernon displaying the right amount of arrogance. Pia Obank played Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cadrew was delightfully played by Tash Northcott. It is always a pleasure to see Nick Wyse who was hilarious as Dr Chasuble with Lou Jackson another stalwart as the amusing Miss Prism. Nigel Bacon and Tom Angell were both excellent in their roles as butlers. The three scene changes during the play were expertly carried out and the set deigns were cleverly crafted, especially the garden scene which elicited a ripple of appreciation from the audience. Lane End Player is fortunate in having such a large creative team which ensured that the costumes were authentic and everyone was well dressed. Skilfully directed by Kath Gill, the Players has once again provided a good evening's entertainment. |
Author
Oscar Wilde
DirectorKath Gill
VenueLane End Village Hall
Church Road Lane End Bucks HP14 3JE (see map below) |
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