The Importance of Being Earnest

Hannah Drew as Gwendolen and Michael Adam Hogan as John. Photo by Scott Gorman.

The refined sensibilities, prosperity, and peace of late Victorian London came about through a great cultural shift that took place in the 19th century. This shift also brought about a rigid class system and strict rules concerning morality. Nowhere are these realities better satirized than in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, now on stage at the University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre.

Wilde's classic mockery of late Victorian London's traditions and social customs is more hilarious and enchanting than ever before in this production, rounded out by an excellent cast and beautiful costumes. The audience meets the play's two principal characters, friends Algernon Moncrieff (Victor Pokinko) and Jack Worthing (Michael Adam Hogan), in the first scene, while a large gilded frame complete with vines and roses provides a lovely backdrop. Algernon is the perfect example of a 19th century dandy while Jack (whom Algernon knows as Ernest) works hard to conceal his double life, as he is a gentleman when he is in the city of London (Ernest), but he also owns a home in the country, where his name is Jack and he is guardian to a young woman named Cecily. His efforts are for naught as Algernon quickly discovers his true identity upon reading an engraved inscription in his cigarette case.

Algernon's Aunt Augusta (Nicole Wilson) and her daughter Gwendolen Fairfax (Hannah Drew) drop by the house for a visit, and it is quickly made clear that Ernest is in love with Gwendolen. Upon proposing, however, his hopes are dashed when her mother disapproves. Augusta hilariously interviews Ernest in order to find out about his background. The subtle undertones of this first act blend seamlessly into the second, as Algernon is romantically interested in the young woman Jack cares for, noting Jack's country address so he may travel to meet her, under the name Ernest. When young Cecily Cardew (Eliza Martin) is visited unexpectedly in the country by her “Uncle Ernest” (Algernon) whom she has heard much about from her Uncle Jack (who goes by Ernest in the city), she is overjoyed. However, hilarity ensues when Jack shows up, along with Rev. Canon Chasuble (Andrei Preda) and Miss Prism (Bailey Green), after having claimed that his made-up brother Ernest had died.

The final two acts of the production are a treat to watch, full of hilarious dialogue and surprises. The elaborate plot of The Importance of Being Ernest requires impeccable comedic timing and a high level of engagement from the audience, both of which are achieved brilliantly by the cast. Victor Pokinko is a joy as Algernon, and the audience hangs on his every word (spoken in a very convincing British accent) throughout the entirety of the production. Nicole Smith is perfection as Aunt Augusta, always appearing dramatically, her cane in hand, and Andrei Preda and Bailey Green are entertaining as the supporting characters. The beautiful costumes by designer Ming Wong are an added bonus to an already highly enjoyable and entertaining production.

Don't miss Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at the University of Toronto's Hart House Theatre. Visit harthouse.ca for more information and to buy tickets.