There
was an extraordinary amount of effort put into this year’s 5th
year play, but it was all worth it. Sadly it’s us that have to follow
that, and the only way to step out of “The Importance of Being
Earnest’s” shadow is to choose a play of equal reputation and
stature. So start thinking!
Whoever decided on this script deserves more praise than they’re
probably already getting. But what made this play so successful was the
performances of the two leading men Eoin Silke and Jack Kavanagh, (and of
course Tamryn Reiecke, who’s presence on stage would’ve been missed.)
It tells the story of two friends Algernon (Silke) and Jack
(Kavanagh), both living apart of the Brittish aristocracy. But Jack leads
a double life. While in the country he is known as Jack, in the city he
becomes his devious alter ego Ernest. For years he pretended that
trouble-making Ernest is merely his brother, only he knows the truth.
Knowing Jack as Ernest Algernon becomes suspicious of his “double
life” when he comes across a cigarette case addressed to Uncle Jack from
someone who refers to herself as Little Cecily. Intrigued by this
Algernon investigates, forcing Jack to confess his deceptions. Jack
confides in Algernon that Cecily is his ward, a responsibility imposed on
him by his adoptive Father’s will.
The play then follows the fortunes of Jack and Algernon as they
pursue Gwendolen (Hannah Jennings) and Cecily (Claire Fergus), but both as
Ernest! Confused yet?
Algernon’s curiosity is piqued by the prospect of Jack’s ward,
the beautiful Cecily. He goes to Jack’s country mansion and falls
hopelessly in love with her, posing as Jack’s estranged brother Ernest.
Unluckily for both of them
Jack’s fiancée Gwendolen turns up at the house claiming to be engaged
to Ernest (but really Jack!) just as Algernon (posing as Ernest) had his
request for marriage graciously accepted.
As you can see the pace and bewildering storyline proved difficult
to follow but that did not stop this play being incredibly funny with
it’s witty dialogue and bizarre plot.
The result of this tangle was the introduction of Lady Braknell
(Tamryn Reiecke) to the fray. She immediately objected to the union of her
daughter Gwendolen and Jack. This objection brought about the appearance
of Miss Prism (Joelle Grogan) and Dr. Chausable (the hilarious Fergal O’
Connor.)
Furthermore this brings about the revelation that Jack is the
legitimate child of Lady Bracknell’s sister, lost at young age by his
then nurse Ms. Prism. Coincidently Jack had been originally christened
Ernest. After the initial confusion the couples embrace and have been
given consent for their respective marriages. After all Jack ackmowledges
that he now understands ‘the vital importance of being Ernest’.
Jack Hickey