The Importance of Being Earnest

by Oscar Wilde

The play centres around John Worthing, raised in the country by his adopted family. In order to escape to Town, John has created an alter ego, “Mr Ernest Worthing”. Algernon, John’s friend from Town, has a similar scheme, escaping to the country to visit his sick friend “Banbury''. Both John and Algernon’s schemes spiral out of control, and in the midst of declarations of love and proposals to Gwendolen and Cecily, the truth is revealed.

20th -22nd of November 2024

The Library Theatre, Sheffield

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director - Amaara Qureshi

Producer - Sophie Layton

Production Manager & Assistant Director - Emilia Lodge

Production Manager & Assistant Director - Abby Broido

CAST LIST

Jack Worthing - Luke Hookham

Algernon Moncrief - Toma Hoffman

Gwendolyn Fairfax - Chantelle Winder

Cecily Cardew - Eden Houlberg

Lady Bracknell - Jess Ansbro

Reverend Chasuble - Louis J

Miss Prism - Caitlin Wood

Lane/Merriman - Alex Mackie

CREW LIST

Stage Manager - Grace Lowe

Props Master - Becky Robinson

Deputy Stage Manager - Lucy Singer

Assistant Stage Manager - Hannah Forster

Shadow Assistant Stage Manager - Kareena Kohli

Sound Designer - Joe Edgar

Sound Operator - Becks Guess

Light Designer & Operator - Adam Rajczakowski

Costume Designer, Hair & Make-up Technician & Set Designer - Gabriela Florescu

Reviews!

Forge Press

"Having searched high and low for a chance to see this play live, I was grateful to be able to attend SUTCo’s production. They did a good job at bringing Wilde’s work to life on the stage, with a small cast directed by Amaara Qureshi. Even before the show began, the creative team’s multi-page digital programme showed just how much work has been put into this production, and that definitely translates into their work onstage as well.

First of all I want to mention the use of space. The actors’ motion was blocked very well, utilising the whole scenery, of which no part is made superfluous, from a chair to a watering can to the famous cucumber sandwiches. Illuminating this scenery throughout was a very simple soft yellow light, and scoring it was practically no music, which could potentially been seen as a downfall to the production’s creativity. But if we are asking for a faithful adaptation of Wilde’s dialogue-heavy play, I think a minimal stylistic approach was a good choice, as it really let the wit shine."

Full Review - Forge Press

Last Night I Dreamt Of

"The best performance in a show of excellent performances came from Toma Hoffman as Algernon Moncrieff who in a performance that made me think of actor Dominic Cooper combined incredible stage presence, confidence, arrogance and charm whilst remaining thoroughly likeable. I can’t imagine a better performance of this role.

Opposite him as his friend and rival was Luke Hookham as Jack Worthing, who had a young Hugh Grant style charm and natural appeal about his performance and had superb chemistry with Tom (if they are not good friends off stage I will be shocked).

Tom and Luke also had incredible flirtatious chemistry with their love interests, Gwendolen Fairfax played by Chantelle Winder and Cecily Cardew played by Eden Houlberg. Chantelle’s performance was reminiscent of a turn of the century British Bernadette Rostenkowski whilst Eden performance was full of delightful glee and youthful knowing and imaginative."

Full Review - Last Night I Dreamt Of

SUPAS

"The play had a very strong ensemble cast who elevated and supported each other’s performances through spot-on characterisations. Luke Hookham’s neurotic Jack contrasted well with Toma Hoffman’s debonair and louche portrayal of Algy and the two had a great on-stage repartee. The female leads, Eden Houlberg and Chantelle Winder playing Cecily and Gwendolyn respectively, gave incredible performances. Their scenes together in Acts 2 and 3 were definitely a personal highlight due to Houlberg’s girlish charm and Winder’s sharp wit, which complemented each other excellently. Jessica Ansboro’s Lady Bracknell was a powerful, commanding on-stage presence with perfect snarky comic timing. Some other highlights were definitely the scenes between Miss Prism and Dr Chasuble (Caitlin Wood and Louis J), whose perfectly awkward delivery stole the show at points. Praise too should be given to Alex Mackie’s delivery as Laine/Merriman, which livened up transitional scenes which could have been stale otherwise.

Overall, it was a highly enjoyable and entertaining show and it received a well-deserved standing ovation after its final performance. It is clear that this was great choice for a SUTCo play and that the company can execute comedy very effectively."

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