General News
7 July, 2023
Costumes, props and cast delight at Rondo
KEVIN Shorey is understandably proud of Cairns Little Theatre’s latest production, The Importance of Being Earnest. Director of Oscar Wilde’s most famous comedy at the Rondo Theatre, he sings the praises of cast, crew, volunteers, supporters and producer Narelle Shorey.
Director of Oscar Wilde’s most famous comedy at the Rondo Theatre, he sings the praises of cast, crew, volunteers, supporters and producer Narelle Shorey.
His role has been far-reaching for Earnest, from guiding the talented cast, to painting “each and every floorboard” of the Rondo stage.
Though it may seem an unusual way to start a review, the cleverness of the stage is integral to the play moving seamlessly from scene to scene.
Staged “in the round”, the three locations – the London flat, Woolton Manor House garden and the Manor House drawing room – are blocked out on the stage with appropriate furniture.
The clever use of lighting means each section is lit as required (as well as birdsong added when in the ‘garden’), saving time between scenes and avoiding a lot of heavy lifting of the sumptuous, but weighty, restored period furniture.
The actors for this witty comedy are about young love and all its trials and tribulations have been carefully chosen and cleverly matched.
Duos that work particularly well together are main characters Jack Worthing (played by Barry McGinley) with Algernon Moncrieff (Kurtis Lowden); Jack with his love interest, the Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax (Heather Baker) is just delightful, as is Algernon with Cecily Cardew, an 18-year-old played very convincingly by Alice Bosanquet. Lady Bracknell (Cath Willacy) upholds all things traditional and is a good foil, particularly for young and often ‘ditzy’ Cecily.
Reverend Chasuble (Kier Shorey) is the perfect pairing for Miss Prism (Debbie Dean), and while they don’t appear together, butlers Lane (Joshua Holt) and Merriman (Paul Hynes) provide a solid counterpoint for all the characters.
As mentioned before, kudos must go to the production and backstage teams, however this review would not be complete without mentioning the costumes and their creators.
Wendy Robins designed and created the outfits for the “Earnest” men, while couturier, Paul Harrison, produced original designs and handcrafted all the women’s period costumes.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Gwendolen’s first appearance was breathtaking – you’ll understand when you see her. Millinery by Juanita Henry and hair design by Delvine Scott completed each costume.
Performances run through until July 15 with a matinee on July 9.
For more details and bookings, visit
www.therondo.com.au/book or
phone 0415 822 333.
