A trivial comedy for serious people

Theatre of the Winged Unicorn will present Oscar Wilde’s final and most well-known play, The Importance of Being Earnest, this month at the Ceres Hall.

A study of marriage, morality, hypocrisy and inventiveness, The Importance of Being Earnest has delighted audiences since its launch at London’s St James’ Theatre in 1895.

Directed by Elaine Mitchel, nine cast members will bring the iconic play to life against a backdrop designed by Stuart, Ingrid and Alard Pett.

Co-designer Alard Pett, who also plays Algernon Moncrieff in Earnest, said Wilde’s original ideas played a significant role in the formation of the set.

“(The set is) a period setting true to the original text that play with Wilde’s suggestion that style is more important than sincerity. Cotemporary mediums have been used to create this intended traditional Victorian settings,” he said.

Featuring a cast of local actors, the line-up welcomes two internationally trained stars who have trained at the acclaimed Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts London. Ben Mitchell, who’s locked in to play the role of Jack Worthing and Stacey Carmichael who will portray Cecily Cardew, both complete the intensive five-week Shakespeare Summer School.

Ben, who also studied full-time at the Drama Studio London, said his extensive training has helped him to accurately represent his character.

“Wilde provides dialogue that requires the muscularity and definition epitomising the best of English playwrights,” he said.

“Actor training in England focuses on the vocal detail and strength required for such text and this production of Ernest is a perfect chance to apply and maintain fundamentals of this training.”

Other cast members include Miriam Wood (Lady Bracknell), Jocelyn Mackay (Gwendolyn Fairfax), Allister Cox (Dr Chasuble), Marylin Nash (Miss Prism), David Keele (Lane), and Davydd Marrie as Merriman.

The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed on Friday, May 3; Saturday May 4; Sunday, May 5; May 11; May 12; May 16; May 17; May 18; and May 19. The Ceres Hall is located at 40 McCann Street, Ceres.

Tickets start from $26. For bookings, head to trybooking.com/ZQFG or head to theatreofthewingedunicorn.com.au for more information.