Chichester’s tremendous season concludes with a sparkling production of an Oscar Wilde classic that provides a feast that delights both eye and ear.
Simon Higlett’s sumptuous sets and costumes provide a fitting background for the richness of Wilde’s words.
The play cleverly enwraps a strong melodrama with a comic froth, full of wicked witticisms and mocking Society mannerisms.
Within this humour, a politicians’ scandal is exposed, morality debated and blackmail carried out. Many of the lines regarding MPs and public life could well apply today.
Richness also applies to the performances be they from theatre legends or from the younger generation.
Patricia Routledge’s Mrs Markby, a creation that ranks with Lady Bracknell or Mrs Malaprop, is played for its entire comic worth. Edward Fox, with his usual laconic style, never fails to amuse.
Glamour is provided by Jemma Redgrave as the scheming blackmailer, Mrs Cheveley, who is outsmarted by the outwardly cynical, shallow Lord Goring - an outer shell covering a more serious and moral person. Jamie Glover gives a consummate performance.
There are strong characterisations from Robert Bathurst and Laura Rodgers as the politician and his wife whilst Amy Morgan’s Mabel is full of delicious spirit and bubbling comedy.
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