The MC Showroom is filled with a Thursday audience buzz as drinks are poured, snacks popped open and the spotlight shines onto the height of society in all that is Britishness. The Importance of Being Earnest is now playing at the intimate creative theatre hub slightly right of the heart of Prahran, and what a a delightful evening of entertainment. 

Set in Victorian England, this production opens with comedic flair as Lane the butler (Kyle McCallion) warms the crowd with an introduction filled with fun jokes and relatable little side notes. The simple staging allows for our imaginations to transport us into this time and place, and as the lights shift colours we are introduced to our leads.

In The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde explores the themes of identity and society through twists and turns in a clever comedy dusted with romance.  Jack Worthing (Luke Costabile) lives in the country but works in the city, assuming the identity of ‘Ernest’ when in London.  His colleague and friend Algernon Moncreiff (Shannon Stevens) is the only one that knows about Jack’s double life, and when he visits him at home he pretends to be Jack’s fictional brother whom he also calls ‘Ernest’.  Whilst this may be a bit of fun for the two friends, enter Algernon’s cousin Gwendolyn Fairfax (Maeve Ireland-Jones) who is in love with Jack but knows him only as Ernest.  Then add Jack’s ward Cecily Cardew (Milla Pearl Sievers) who crosses paths with Algernon but knows too, only as Ernest.  Gwendolyn’s mother Lady Bracknell (Chloe Bott) also adds to this web of challenges, supported by Miss Prism (Chanda Anderson Prior) and Dr Chausable (Paul De Freitas) who bring light to the plot turns of this intriguing tale.  With complications, mistaken identity and unexpected revelations unfolding, fate comes into play, and of course we all learn the importance of being earnest.

Director Will Nash has taken on board an incredibly clever script and added a flavour that is enjoyable and fresh.  The wit and humour of this production truly shines through.  The cast group intertwine like puzzle pieces together, and create a final product that is definitely worth glueing and framing onto a wall.  A stand out here though is Shannon Stevens who plays Algenon.  The character was well held with a strong embodiment of grace and confidence on stage.  Stevens delivered their lines with purpose, and facial expressions that showed belief in the words that included some fabulously cheeky one liners.  Luke Costabile as Jack held the role with gentle precision and truly gave the audience relatable moments.  Maeve Ireland-Jones as Gwendolyn presented with great confidence and clarity.  Milla Pearl Seivers added a lightness to the stage as Cecily Cardew.  She was memorable with her high energy and spirited performance.  Holding the audience’s attention not just with two amazing hats was Chloe Bott as Lady Bracknell.  Her presence was felt every time she stepped onto the stage, and her strength in character drove the story forwards, allowing the troupe to play of her actions and words.  Chanda Anderson Prior as Miss Prism brought a natural energy to her part, and Paul De Freitas displayed an authenticity in his role, presenting a polished performance as Dr Chausable. 

The music, staging and lighting added to the flow of The Importance of Being Earnest this evening, the use of ambient sound assisting in providing clear settings.  Costumes were effective to the time, and the use of the background projector screen added an individual depth to the show. 

The teamwork within the cast and crew was incredibly evident, with highlights in this production including the comedic timing in the wedding proposal between Jack and Gwendolyn, the play with live piano songs, Gwendolyn and Cecily’s not so happy tea party, Lady Bracknell’s brilliant hats and the scene with all the muffins!

The Importance of Being Earnest provides you with an entertaining evening that should be held in high regard.  The audience all left smiling, after a great night out!