Review – The Importance of Being Earnest as Performed by 3 F**king Queens & a Duck
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre
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What would Oscar Wilde be like if he were working in Theatre today? Well, chances are he’d be mixing it with Sebastian, Winston and Christian. These three self-proclaimed queens are undertaking the ambitious task of staging The Importance of Being Earnest. The trio figure that with such a well-loved play, free venue hire and three exceedingly talented actors, what could possibly go wrong? Love triangles, dramatic cuts to the script and major clashes of ego is what, and the ensemble delivers the farce with aplomb.
Out Cast Theatre isn’t challenging any stereotypes here – there’s plenty of mincing around the stage, cross-dressing, and an entirely superfluous speech impediment. However, the characters are portrayed with such affection and validity that it’s great fun nonetheless. The show is wonderfully true to the spirit of Oscar Wilde, and his work which this play pays homage to. Fast-paced dialogue, deception by one’s nearest and dearest, and a delightfully off-hand petulance will certainly entertain Wilde aficionados.