Oscar Wilde has taken classic melodrama and farce, and put a few twists on it. The true genius of this play is how the upper class audience he wrote it for would be laughing at the characters on stage's idiocy, and thus at themselves. For today's audience, it is still equally as entertaining, just not quite so politically current.
This production had one of the most impressive sets I have seen for a long time. Or should I say, it had four of the most impressive sets I have seen for a long time. Every act took place in a different room or house, and each was created by having back walls fly up and down, fold in and out and rotate between the curtain going up and down. The result was four hugely realistic depictions of upper class houses.
The first two acts had their moments of comedy, but were nothing special. Wilde here is introducing the problems the characters face, with the arrival of the sinister Mrs Cheveley. It is not until the third and fourth acts that things suddenly become funnier, more interesting and exciting. All the actors were superb, but Elliot Cowan as Lord Goring stood out for me. Perfect comedic timing and delivery made him the joy of the play.
I found it slow to get on its feet, but brilliant when it got there. (If only the American tourist in the next row would just be quiet!)
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