The Importance Of Being Earnest National Theatre Review
So, have you ever felt like you're juggling a few too many fake personas? Or maybe you've just really, really wanted to eat cucumber sandwiches without any grown-ups looking? Well, if that sounds even a tiny bit like you, then you're going to love what the National Theatre has done with The Importance of Being Earnest. Seriously, it’s a riot!
Oscar Wilde, the legendary wit behind this play, was a genius at poking fun at society. And this production? It takes his already hilarious script and injects it with a fresh, vibrant energy that makes it feel brand new. It’s like he wrote it yesterday, but with even more fabulous hats. The story is all about these two chaps, Jack and Algernon, who invent these alter egos named Ernest. Why? Because being named Ernest seems to be the golden ticket to attracting the most desirable ladies in town. Honestly, it’s a masterclass in charming deception, and it’s utterly delightful to watch unfold.
The set design is just chef’s kiss. They’ve created these stunning, almost dreamlike environments that perfectly capture the absurdity and elegance of the play. Think lavish drawing rooms and manicured gardens, all rendered with a touch of theatrical magic. Every scene is a feast for the eyes. The costumes are equally spectacular. We’re talking about the kind of outfits that make you want to immediately raid your grandma’s attic and throw a fancy dress party. They’re glamorous, they’re over-the-top, and they’re absolutely perfect for these wonderfully eccentric characters.
And the characters! Oh, the characters are the real stars. The actors bring them to life with such infectious glee. You've got the dashing but slightly bewildered Jack Worthing, trying to keep his two lives from crashing into each other. Then there's the endlessly amusing and morally flexible Algernon Moncrieff, who’s always looking for his next witty remark or a convenient excuse to avoid boring responsibilities. Their interactions are pure gold, packed with perfectly timed jokes and ridiculous pronouncements.
But it's not just the boys who steal the show. The ladies in this play are equally formidable and hilarious. Gwendolen Fairfax, with her unwavering belief in the name Ernest, and Cecily Cardew, with her romantic daydreams and surprisingly sharp wit, are a joy to behold. Their fierce determination to marry an Ernest is played for maximum comic effect, and you can’t help but root for them, even as they’re being delightfully stubborn.
And then there’s Lady Bracknell. If you’ve never encountered Lady Bracknell before, prepare yourself. She is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic and terrifyingly funny characters in all of theatre. She’s a force of nature, a formidable matriarch whose pronouncements on everything from marriage to muffins are delivered with an unshakeable, awe-inspiring seriousness. Her interrogation of Jack is a legendary piece of theatre, and seeing it live is an absolute treat. The actress playing her in this production is simply phenomenal, dripping with imperious disdain and delivering every line with razor-sharp precision. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, both in fear and in laughter.
What makes this production so special is its sheer exuberance. It's not afraid to lean into the silliness and the absurdity of the plot. The pacing is spot-on, with witty banter flying at you from all directions. You’ll find yourself chuckling, then guffawing, then probably snorting with laughter at various points. It’s one of those plays that makes you feel genuinely happy to be alive and in a theatre. It’s a perfect escape from the everyday, a chance to immerse yourself in a world of delightful nonsense and sharp social commentary.
Oscar Wilde’s dialogue is like a perfectly crafted cocktail: witty, sophisticated, and with a delightful kick. Every sentence is a gem. He plays with language in a way that’s both clever and incredibly funny. The actors in this production deliver these lines with such skill and comic timing that they land every single time. It’s a masterclass in verbal comedy. You’ll walk out of the theatre wanting to talk like them, to think like them, to be just a little bit more… earnest (or perhaps, less).
This play is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound truths can be found in the most ridiculous situations. It’s about love, about marriage, about societal expectations, but it’s all wrapped up in such a wonderfully entertaining package that you barely notice you’re being taught a lesson. It’s pure, unadulterated fun. If you’re looking for a night out that will leave you feeling uplifted, amused, and thoroughly entertained, then you absolutely must go and see The Importance of Being Earnest at the National Theatre. It's a modern classic, brought to life with a sparkle and a swagger that’s simply irresistible. Don't miss it!