The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde. Directed by Kristen Twynam-Perkins. Helena College (WA). June 18-20 2015

A very ambitious project for a Year 11 Drama class, Helena College's production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest featured every member of the class.

Designed and set with a 1950s Mad Men influence, the students thrived on the challenge and the show was beautifully received.

Noah Watkins and Stefan Brown worked very nicely together as Algernon and Jack respectively, showing wonderful charm and wit (although perhaps a little too pacy in Act One).

Lucia Mitchell captured the elegance and sophistication of Gwendolen well, and Taylor-Rose Price was girlish and clever as sweet Cecily.

Doing well in the more mature roles were Jade Atkinson creating a rather formidable Lady Bracknell and Louise Miffin a very sympathetic Miss Prism. 'Ring ins' to this small class,  Physics students Conor Robson and Dougald Cairns, were excellent, playing both butlers and Dr Chasuble, on minimal rehearsal.

A lovely choice of show for this enthusiastic young class. It was lovely to see Year 12 students supporting their younger peers by working front of house, with backstage support from younger drama students. This show had a lovely atmosphere and was a pleasure to review.

Kimberley Shaw