The first night of the first production of a new theatre group is always intriguing. Who’s involved, what’s their motivation and (importantly) how well will they do?
A new group is based at the Playhouse and will provide opportunities for young people who fall between children’s and adult theatre.
The eight-strong cast does a splendid job.
Fen Mcintosh, Rowan Metreyeon, Gracie Fagerlund and Ella Verberne, as the devious and determined young lovers, entertain us with performances, ranging from calibrated snogging through calculated nastiness to energetic fighting, that sometimes spill out into the aisles.
Ruairi O’Malley King and Sylvia Baeumer ingeniously gender-swap as Miss Prism and Dr Chasuble.
Riley McIntosh, as Merriman, a painfully yet hilariously decrepit butler, has us in stitches in a farcical cameo involving a tea-set and plates of food. As Lady Bracknell, who arguably gets the best lines, Millabeene Turnbull commands attention every time she’s on stage, but could perhaps make a little more of lines referring to handbags.
Scene changes are adroitly handled, and costumes reflect the 1890s, when the play was written.
Special mention must be made of director Sebastian Cumming, who also designed the sets. His respect for the sparkle and nuances of Wilde’s masterpiece is clearly well developed, and this is evident in the overall quality.
Assistance from established Playhouse supporters in areas such as costumes and front of house have contributed to the production’s success.
So yes — they did remarkably well, and I’m eager to see what this talented new group, which plans to produce two shows a year, does next.
