Stephen Fry has taken on the role of Lady Bracknell in the West End revival of Oscar Wilde’s celebrated comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, staged at the Noël Coward Theatre in London. Known for his longstanding association with Wilde's work—most notably portraying the playwright himself in film—Fry steps into the character of Wilde’s famously sharp-tongued and commanding widow with a towering presence, metaphorically described as a “6ft 5in taffeta tank.” His delivery of Wilde’s iconic aphorisms, such as the famously witty “To lose one parent is a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness!” is a highlight, grounding the character in the original text’s incisive wit without sliding into pantomime caricature.

Fry replaces Sharon D Clarke from the original National Theatre production, whose portrayal brought a vibrant, subversive energy and vivid costume choices to the Jamaican matriarch. Fry’s interpretation contrasts by being more measured and traditional, which some might view as conservative, yet he maintains fidelity to Wilde’s sharp humour and social critique. While Fry’s Lady Bracknell dominates the stage with nuanced authority, the rest of the cast has had mixed receptions. Olly Alexander, from the band Years & Years, brings youthful exuberance to Algernon Moncrieff but does not quite capture the charismatic spark of Ncuti Gatwa, the previous Algie, whose "megawatt charisma" was hard to replace. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett’s portrayal of Jack Worthing is marked by an anxious energy, particularly in his courtship of Gwendolen, played with a playful impishness by Kitty Hawthorne.

The production itself, directed by Max Webster and originally staged at the National Theatre, retains its vibrant energy and flamboyance. Though the inclusion of an LGBTQ+ pageant framing device is seen by some as an unnecessary flourish, the bold and striking design by Rae Smith—featuring eclectic Victorian drawing rooms, psychedelic gardens, and erotically charged stately homes—ensures the 130-year-old play feels strikingly contemporary and fresh. This aligns with the spirit of Wilde’s work, which is renowned for its timeless social satire wrapped in wit and vibrant theatricality.

This revival follows a tradition of notable performances of Lady Bracknell, such as David Suchet’s widely praised turn in Adrian Noble’s production, where his majestic and disdainful delivery brought a masterful comedic brilliance to the role. Fry’s portrayal, while different in tone, continues this legacy of bringing Wilde’s sharp social commentary to life through the character of Lady Bracknell.

The Importance of Being Earnest remains a cornerstone of English theatre, celebrated for its farcical elements and insightful satire. This new West End production keeps that spirit alive, combining reverence for Wilde’s text with a lively, modern sensibility, ensuring the play’s enduring appeal to contemporary audiences.

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Source: Noah Wire Services