THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST NESTON CIVIC HALL NESTON PLAYERS 11/5/19

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The importance of seeing Neston Players could not be more emphasised than by their latest production, I hasten to say that most people who go to see them would echo my own sentiment which is that I have never seen them give a poor performance. Neston seem to be able to draw on a fund of considerable acting and directorial people and this latest offering is no exception.

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It has been called “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People”..and its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make it Wilde's most enduringly popular play. There’s no one quite like Oscar Wilde to take a somewhat jaundiced view of the byways of the upper crust in staid Victorian society.

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The costumes (Ally Sullivan/Lisa Dearnley) reflected the period admirably, while lighting by John Brierley and John Woods and sound by Andy Rymer completed the sense of a light and airy atmosphere.

 

Director Cheryl Barker assisted by Marnie Clark and Gordon Wallis got the most out of the actors who’s characterisations emphasised the individuality of their Role.

 

The languid, laid back and somewhat cynical Algernon Moncrieff (Andrew Culshaw) was beautifully played and found in the more austere Jack Worthing (Michael Hetherington) a more than suitable foil. Great stuff gentlemen. The Hon Gwendolen and Cecily Cardew (Bethany Culshaw and Christine Owen) proved more than a match for their erstwhile husbands. Their totally different personalities and style complimented each other perfectly.

 

Caroline Lancelyn Green had the plum part of Lady Bracknell and was exactly right in every sense. I was delighted that she avoided the Edith Evans interpretation of “In a handbag”; slightly understated this approach in my opinion was more effective.

 

The instigator of the whole farce Miss Prism (Sarah McGinty) was ideal in the part as Cecily’s governess and had as her counterpart the excellent and carefully named Reverend Chasuble (Geoff Wright). The perfect picture of a Victorian clergyman some of his mannerisms were hilarious.

 

In support were Richard Dodd as Lane the gentleman’s gentleman. Shades of Wodehouse’s Jeeves here. Merriman (Finn Miller Musset) and Jack Sibeon completed the excellent cast.

 

Neston players are a team with players and backstage helpers combining to ensure that their audience is not disappointed.

Long may it continue.

 

Budge Noda Rep.