Luke's Star Quality Shines in Earnest

I sometimes wish I could split myself in half. This week I was busy reviewing and realised that two companies clashed. Therefore, as I have done before, I attended the dress rehearsal of Old Town Theatre Company's production of The Importance of Being Earnest. How brave of them was that?

They played to just me, alone in the Swindon Arts Centre apart from the lighting man. How well they did. No stops, no hiccups and just little old me.

At the outset I was drawn to the superb talent of Luke Mooney. Unrecognisable from the last time I saw him, before his trip to university. I just knew I was in the presence of someone who ‘knew his stuff', as they say. He is a gem on stage and thoroughly natural, with superb diction.

His partner in crime, so to speak, Paul Felix, was the perfect foil and acted well too. Jane Dale was the overpowering Lady Bracknell, played with great gusto and very believable.

The young ladies of the piece, Gwendolen Fairfax, played by Maria Bowler and the sweet Cecily Cardew, played by Mel Bowler, showed some good promise.

I did though, take issue in the costuming of the play. The language is such that the modern day dress just didn't work for me. Especially as the leading lady arrived in a black trouser suit. Oh dear, definitely a no, no for this play. Sometimes a modern slant will work, sometimes it doesn't. I wasn't at all sure about the antics of the gay butler, either.

Miss Prism, played by Sue Carr and Mike Carpenter as the vicar, played their roles with just enough subservience and truly looked the part.

Staging and sets were well thought out and lighting was good. I loved the different effects you got with the two towers of coloured lights. First time director Tanya Barker did a good job.

That's what I like about this company – everyone gets a chance if they want to have a go. How else can we learn, other than by making mistakes? There weren't that many Tanya, so well done.

As always, OTTC managed to put on a performance that was entertaining. Hopefully, the rest of the week, there was lots of laughter in the theatre. It runs until tomorrow.

Ros Hollands