Oscar Wilde described his play as "a trivial comedy for serious people". However, there is nothing trivial about this current production, apart from the characters' attitude to life.

It is hard to believe that when George Bernard Shaw reviewed the play he was left with a sense of having wasted his evening. By the sound of the sustained laughter throughout this comedy of manners, it is doubtful if many of the Chichester audience would have agreed with him.

Productions of this play are often judged by the portrayal of Lady Bracknell, a part that has hanging over it the shadow of Edith Evans's memorable performance.

Penelope Keith chooses to underplay the role - less of the usual dragon and more of the social snob. She has some of the best lines and delivers them to full effect, apart from the famous "handbag" line which is thrown away. One would have expected a more inventive approach from such a talented actor.

But it is the quartet of young lovers that provide some of the best moments of the evening.

Harry Hadden-Paton makes a splendid John Worthing whilst William Ellis proves to be a good foil as Algernon.

There are delightful performances from Daisy Haggard and Rebecca Night as their respective loves. The interplay between the two girls is hilarious.

But whilst the lively direction elicits good performances, it is let down by characters far too often addressing the scenery with their backs to the audience.

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