The Importance of Being Earnest at the Theatre Royal Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Teresa Jones

We had a great night at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth for the opening night of the Importance of Being Earnest.

The theatre is lively, clean and modern and very easy to find being at the bottom of Plymouth’s main Royal Parade, it has ample parking with 3 carparks very close to the theatre. The staff are friendly and very helpful all looking very smartly dressed.

If you arrive early there is a small coffee shop in the foyer selling a great range of drinks, snacks, cakes and sweets. Although it is a little expensive.

We had great seats and the theatre was full.

The play directed by Alastair Whatley was charming and funny with a few slapstick moments thrown in and there was even a bun fight in one scene all adding to the laughter that rang out through the theatre during this show.

The sets were wonderful and captured the era perfectly and the costumes were stunning made with beautiful fabrics and colours totally taking you back to the more genteel period.

Thomas Howes played a perfect Algernon Moncrieff his mannerisms and the way he used the set to drape himself added much to the believability of his character and Algernon’s love of food was the butt of many jokes and the above-mentioned bun fight.

Gwen Taylor was impeccable as Lady Bracknell who tried everything in her power to keep Ernest Worthing played by Peter Sandys-Clarke and her much loved daughter Gwendoline played wonderfully by Kerry Ellis from becoming engaged but love always concours all as we all know.

Algernon’s love interest Cecily Cardew was charmingly played by Louise Coulthard with great enthusiasm and a childlike quality which made the character come alive.

Susan Penhaligon was hilarious as Miss Prism her facial expressions and mannerisms had the audience laughing fit to burst.

All in all, the whole cast brought the play to life in a way I’m sure Oscar Wilde would have approved of.

A fab night out highly recommended.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £12 to £29 (booking fees may apply).

The Importance of Being Earnest is at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 13-17 February 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.theatreroyal.com or call the box office on 01752 267222.

Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR | 01752 267222