Review: Terrific and sparkling production of Wilde’s play

To say that I enjoyed this terrific production is an understatement.

Not only were the costumes ravishing, but the set was also quite beautiful.

The care that has gone in to every detail of this production is rewarded by the audience’s appreciation of it.

The performance was generous – each actor fitting into the play and offering support to fellow actors on stage; each actor willing on the other to capture the best meaning from every line, look and movement.

The actions were well paced, deliberate and slow. We were given time to observe the tiniest smile, the twinkle of an eye.

Well done to all the technical crew, to Roz Grant’s costumes, Brian Tuck’s set and everyone back stage who must have worked round the clock to get this play on the road.

The lines in Wilde’s play are well known and that can be a disadvantage, but in this case it worked a treat – with some of the best lines going to Lady Markby – played so well by Vicky Whitehall. But then I also loved David Crossfield’s Lord Goring, played with a subtle pomposity and contrasting so well with Bryan Ferriman’s delightful Lord Cavesham.

Mrs Chevely was a joy to watch – especially as her face is so expressive and Amanda Dodd obviously relished playing this naughty woman.

Elsewhere Lady Chiltern, played by Ruth MacCallum, held a marvellous dignity and she too displayed a real sense of pace and of owning the character.

Julie-Ann Randell as Mabel Chiltern was a joy to watch and to listen to. Her voice is soothing and calm. The butlers kept a meaningful distance but knew when to make themselves seen and heard.

n fact all of the characters had such contrasting vocal ranges that this too added to a tight, focussed and sparkling evening.

Monica Troughton