This adaptation of Oscar Wilde's short story combines the dark tale of
It certainly isn't outstanding theatre, but it is a lot of fun.
Adapted by Constance Cox, this Wilde mashup works. Moments of well placed humour compliment the dark subject of the story to produce an unusually black comedy of manners. To Cox's credit, the script is fantastic and captures the essence of Wilde's satirical cynicism very well.
Though the play has a good script behind it, some of the actors seem a little out of their depth with the imitated Victorian language. Characters such as Lady Windermere and the Dean seem a little hesitant over their lines, with odd breaks in rhythm that makes the language seem rather forced. Similarly, it seems that more effort and concentration had gone into maintaining a posh 19th century accent instead of focusing on the words behind the voice. This made a lot of the dialogue feel unnatural and disjointed.
The actors playing Arthur Savile and Sybil Merton both do a wonderful job and are very comfortable on stage. The two stand out as accomplished and mature performers that have no trouble letting the script flow naturally and delivering a solid comic performance.
This production is entertaining, but it does leave something to be desired due to the inconsistency of energy throughout the performance. It certainly isn't outstanding theatre, but it is a lot of fun.
